Carbon Career & Technology Institute administrators received a donation from Coterra Energy in the form of Educational Improvement Tax Credits.

CCTI, based in Jim Thorpe, is one of 26 career and technology centers that Coterra has assisted across the state since 2010. To date, more than $1.3 million in EITC grants have been distributed by Coterra in Pennsylvania to help students cover the costs of instructional material, testing supplies, uniforms, and certifications.

“Cosmetology uses the current funding to assist students in covering a portion of the $540 kit cost required for enrollment in the program,” CCTI cosmetology instructor Tammy Marshall said. “We have previously used the funding to assist with purchasing additional mannequin practice heads and continue to assist with partial coverage kit costs.

“The impact of funding has eased the financial hardships families encounter due to the need for kit purchases for program enrollment.”

Coterra’s EITC program has grown through the years, doubling in scope in 2019 after a lull in the natural gas industry.

“We’re excited for the jobs that are ahead, and we are making sure that we have the workforce for this next phase in Pennsylvania’s economic development,” said Coterra director of external affairs George Stark. Trade schools like CCTI, he said, are training the workforce today for tomorrow that make them productive members of society.

The program is administered by Commonwealth Charitable Management, which has partnered with Coterra Energy for over 10 years in support of Career & Technology students across Pennsylvania. CCM program manager Melissa Turlip said that “Building a future relies on a variety of industries,” citing cosmetology among specialized fields that are always in demand.

“The families and students that receive funding are excited to receive the relief ensured by the high cost of the kit,” said CCTI business administrator Jeffry Deutsch. “Students may choose to not enter the cosmetology program due to cost impact if not subsidized by the Coterra funding.”