Originally published Aug. 19, 2022
Barry Johnson
Email: btjohnson@ccp.edu
Cell: 267-666-7881
The state-of-the-art facility will offer associate degree and short-term certificate programs for in-demand careers, support for local entrepreneurs
PHILADELPHIA – Community College of Philadelphia yesterday hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of its highly-anticipated Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC). Located in West Philadelphia, at 4750 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139, the CATC will officially open its doors for classes on Tuesday, September 6.
The state-of-the-art teaching and learning facility will offer short-term certificate programs in the Advanced Manufacturing, Health Care, and Transportation Technology fields, as well as associate degree programs that will help students meet the ever-changing needs of these industries.
One program in particular is the Toyota Technician Training & Education Network (T-TEN) program which will provide state‑of‑the‑art, hands‑on automotive diagnosis and repair training with an emphasis on the skills needed to succeed in the automotive industry. The College is offering the only Toyota T-TEN program in the region.
“The College is pleased to officially introduce our Career and Advanced Technology Center to Philadelphians from every walk of life,” said College President Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals. “The programs offered at the CATC will usher in a new era of shared prosperity for the City of Philadelphia -- one where pursuing a post-secondary credential is more accessible, obtainable, and affordable.”
In addition to offering more than 20 affordable and high-quality certificate and associate degree programs, the CATC will serve as a hub supporting the region’s small businesses and as a resource connecting the community to technology-rich spaces.
“The positive impact of the CATC will be felt in West Philadelphia, across the city, and throughout our region,” said Ayanna Washington, executive director of the Career and Advanced Technology Center. “Our goal is to help create more living-wage jobs for people of color by serving as a talent pipeline for employers, an innovation hub for entrepreneurs, and a community engagement center for the residents of West Philadelphia.”
Remarks were provided by: College President Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals; Mayor Jim Kenney; College Board of Trustees Chair Jeremiah White; College Foundation Vice President Sulaiman Rahman; state Sen. Vincent Hughes; Jennifer Friedman, regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration; state Rep. Rick Krajewski; CATC Executive Director Ayanna Washington; College Vice President of Workforce and Economic Innovation Carol de Fries; College Vice President of Academic and Student Success Dr. Alycia Marshall; Kevin Roner, T-TEN field manager with Toyota Motor Corporation; David Schrader, architect with The Schrader Group; and other public officials.
Immediately following the ribbon cutting, invited guests were able to explore each of the four levels of the CATC, which include active learning classrooms and automotive technology equipment.
Additional information on the Career and Advanced Technology Center, including a full list of careers that the CATC will prepare students for, can be found at ccp.edu/catc.
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