Girls In Tech
June 9, 2025South Hills Recognized During Career and Technical Education Month in Centre County
South Hills School of Business & Technology was proudly recognized by the Centre County Commissioners as part of the official proclamation designating February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Centre County.
The proclamation highlights the vital role career and technical institutions play in strengthening the local workforce, supporting regional businesses, and preparing students for in-demand careers through hands-on, practical education.
Centre County is home to three CTE institutions, including South Hills School of Business & Technology. Together, these programs represent more than 100 years of dedication to students and employers across the region.
South Hills Leadership and Students Represent the Institution
Representing South Hills at the commissioners’ meeting were:
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S. Paul Mazza III, President
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Bobbi Brumbaugh, Medical Assistant Program Coordinator (Altoona Campus)
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Layna Minium, South Hills Medical Assistant student
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Laura Finochio, Director of the upcoming Respiratory Therapy Program
During the meeting, South Hills leaders shared the continued success of the institution’s career-focused programs.
Layna Minium spoke about how the Medical Assistant program at South Hills has become an invaluable stepping stone in her pursuit of a nursing career — a powerful example of how career education can open doors and create forward momentum for students.
New Respiratory Therapy Program Launching Fall 2026
President Mazza also announced the upcoming launch of South Hills’ new Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy, set to begin in Fall 2026.
Program Director Laura Finochio shared that students in the Respiratory Therapy program will receive associate-degree-level education with specialized training in areas such as:
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Managing ventilators
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Assisting in surgeries
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Treating patients with heart and lung conditions
This new program reflects South Hills’ continued commitment to meeting workforce needs in high-demand healthcare fields while equipping students with meaningful, hands-on training.
Strengthening the Centre County Workforce
Career and Technical Education programs across Centre County play a critical role in preparing students for immediate entry into essential industries. The Centre County Commissioners encouraged residents to explore the opportunities CTE programs offer and noted the availability of scholarship programs to support those pursuing career training locally.
South Hills School of Business & Technology remains proud to be part of this longstanding commitment to workforce development and student success.
Interested in starting your career?
Explore our programs or learn more about the new Respiratory Therapy program launching Fall of 2026!
