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Commonwealth Technical Institute
at the Hiram G. Andrews Center History

Located in suburban Johnstown, Pa., the Hiram G. Andrews Center campus covers more than 45 acres.
Taking three years to build, it was the world's first and largest rehabilitation facility especially designed to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services under one roof.
From its opening in April 1959, it has achieved worldwide recognition, attracted distinguished visitors from many countries and has provided individualized educational and rehabilitation programs for resident and commuter students. An individual’s program may include vocational evaluation, educational programming and physical restoration.
As the only self-supporting government facility in Pennsylvania, it is not funded by direct legislative appropriations, but relies instead upon payment for services rendered.

Mission

The mission of the Commonwealth Technical Institute at the Hiram G. Andrews Center, or CTI@HGAC, is to offer quality, individualized, postsecondary education that provides career opportunities and independent life skills.

Philosophy

The Commonwealth Technical Institute at the Hiram G. Andrews Center conducts a comprehensive program of services featuring the integration of education, counseling, evaluation and physical restoration in a barrier-free environment.
At the Commonwealth Technical Institute at the Hiram G. Andrews Center, education is not confined to the classroom. While the majority of a student’s time and attention is focused on education and training, job skills are only part of the learning experience. A continuum of support services, ranging from vocational evaluation and career exploration to independent living skills, combine to offer our students the skills they will need to live, work and contribute in the community. This variety of services also enables the individual to examine personal behavior and make positive changes in preparing for entry-level employment.

Objectives

The Commonwealth Technical Institute at the Hiram G. Andrews Center’s major goal is to provide the resources and environment that will enhance the educational process leading to independence and self-sufficiency by:
  • Encouraging students to evaluate their capabilities,
  • Providing the support services needed by the student in order to pursue and complete an educational program,
  • Providing a curriculum with the flexibility to allow for addressable needs.