Flip It. Fix It. Make It Fabulous! 🎨 Residential Painting & Interior Design students are turning tired furniture into fresh finds for Habitat for Humanity’s Berks ReStore — one brushstroke at a time!

From scuffed to stunning, these makeovers give each piece a second life and support a great cause. 💛
4 months ago, BCTC
A student wearing safety glasses, a headband, and a red Berks Career & Technology Center shirt paints a dark-colored desk in a workshop. The desk has multiple drawers with gold knobs, and paint supplies are visible in the background.
Two students pose beside a refinished cabinet with gray paint and patterned paper accents. One student stands while the other kneels and installs a drawer pull. Both wear safety glasses and paint-splattered pants in a studio environment.
Two Residential Painting & Interior Design students stand beside a dark-painted cabinet. One student kneels inside the cabinet applying patterned paper to the back panel while the other stands smiling with safety glasses on. Both wear paint-splattered clothing in a workshop setting.
Two students stand beside a tall teal cabinet with decorative trim. One holds the door open while the other sands the surface. Both wear safety glasses and paint-marked work clothes in a classroom workshop.
Two students sand a wooden dresser, smiling toward the camera. One kneels while the other stands with sanding tools in hand. The workshop background includes refinished furniture pieces and paint supplies.
Holiday Giving in Action at BCTC! ✨ This season, both BCTC campuses proudly hosted Angel Trees in partnership with the Salvation Army — creating opportunities for students and staff to purchase gifts of new clothing and toys for local children and seniors.

But the giving didn’t stop there!

Seventeen National Technical Honor Society students also headed to the Salvation Army warehouse, rolling up their sleeves to sort, organize, and move donations that will soon reach families across our community. 📦
4 months ago, BCTC
A large group of students poses in a warehouse sitting and kneeling beside stacks of oversized red donation bags. They are smiling and surrounded by rows of sorted gift bags marked with category labels on the walls.
Three students stand beside a shopping cart inside a warehouse, placing a large red bag inside it. Shelves, clothing racks, and other volunteers are visible in the background as they help sort donations.
Three students are inside a warehouse sorting holiday donations. Two students stand while one sits on a wrapped box, all smiling. Large decorated gift bags and section signs on wire partitions are visible behind them.
Multiple students unload holiday donation bags from a vehicle outside a warehouse loading dock. They are carrying gift bags and packages while working together around a large red cart full of donations.
A group of nine students stand outside a warehouse beside a large cart filled with holiday-themed gift bags. They are smiling for the photo with the building and loading dock ramps visible behind them.
A group of students stands inside a warehouse surrounded by holiday donation items. They are smiling and pushing donation carts filled with wrapped gifts and winter clothing, with rows of items visible behind them.
Four students stand inside a warehouse among stacks of wrapped toys and bags. They are smiling while surrounded by colorful holiday donations including boxes, bags, and gift sets.
🎉 Big thanks to Tompkins Community Bank for supporting the future of career & technical education in Berks County!

BCTC and the BCTC Education Foundation are proud to announce a generous $7,500 donation from Tompkins Community Bank.

This gift will help expand hands-on learning opportunities, support critical resources, and prepare students for high-demand careers across a range of programs.

A heartfelt thank you to Tompkins Community Bank and everyone who believes in empowering our next generation.
4 months ago, BCTC
A group of adults and students stand together in front of a wall sign reading “Berks Career & Technology Center.” They are smiling while holding an oversized ceremonial check from Tompkins Community Bank made out to the BCTC Education Foundation for $7,500.

🚗💥 Automotive Collision Repair Technology students are in full teardown mode—removing panels, parts, and components with precision and momentum.
Every piece gets bagged, tagged, and organized, building the foundation for a restoration that comes back sharper, cleaner, and better than before.

4 months ago, BCTC
Two Automotive Collision Repair Technology students work on removing the interior panel of a car door. One student leans in closely while inspecting wiring, and the other stands beside him. Both are wearing safety glasses inside an automotive shop.
Two Automotive Collision Repair Technology students work together to disassemble a car door. One student is seated and working with tools near the lower section of the door, while the other holds the glass window upright. The scene takes place inside an automotive shop.
An Automotive Collision Repair Technology student wearing safety glasses kneels beside an open car door and uses a tool to disconnect wiring inside the door frame. The interior panel has been removed to expose mechanical components.
An Automotive Collision Repair Technology student wearing safety glasses kneels beside an open vehicle and uses a screwdriver to remove a component under the front seat. The car’s interior is partially disassembled.
🪥 Scrub-a-Dub-Dub… Dental Tools in the Tub!
First-year Dental Occupations students are diving into one of the most important skills in the dental field—properly cleaning and sanitizing dental instruments!

From ultrasonic cleaners to sterilization protocols, they’re mastering the steps that keep patients safe and smiles sparkling. 😁🪥
4 months ago, BCTC
A Dental Occupations student wearing safety glasses, a face mask, a blue protective gown, and green gloves loads instruments into an ultrasonic cleaner in a clinical lab setting. Cabinets, labeled storage areas, and wall-mounted glove dispensers are visible in the background.
A Dental Occupations student wearing safety glasses, a face mask, a blue protective gown, and green gloves stands at a workstation next to an ultrasonic cleaner. The student looks toward the camera while working with dental instruments. Cabinets, cleaning supplies, and glove dispensers are visible behind them.
Two Dental Occupations students wearing protective gowns, masks, eyewear, and green gloves stand at a counter preparing dental instruments. One student holds a metal tray while the other holds a dental tool. An ultrasonic cleaner and labeled cabinets are visible on the counter.
A Dental Occupations student wearing safety glasses, a face mask, a blue protective gown, and green gloves holds a sealed sterilization pouch containing dental instruments. Another student stands behind them near wall-mounted glove dispensers. The setting is a clinical lab workspace.

⏰ Still Time to Get Your Tickets! ⏰
The SkillsUSA Music Lover’s Raffle is still open — but not for long!

Don’t miss your chance to win a $500 prize bundle featuring Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), a JBL Bluetooth speaker, and a 1-year Spotify subscription. Every ticket supports SkillsUSA students and their educational experiences.

🎟️ Grab your tickets here: go.rallyup.com/bctcedfoundation

4 months ago, BCTC
A square promotional graphic for the BCTC Education Foundation’s SkillsUSA raffle. The background is orange with rounded corners. Large vertical text on the left reads “raffle drawing.” At the top right, two yellow Apple AirPods hover above an open charging case. A box next to them says “Win This Package: Apple AirPods, 1-year Spotify Subscription, Bluetooth Speaker.” Below, text states “Tickets Available Nov. 9 @ 9am – Dec. 21 @ 11:59pm” and “Winner Announced December 22 @ 9am.” At the bottom, a yellow price bubble lists ticket options: “$5 each | 4 for $10 | 10 for $20 | 25 for $40,” along with the link “go.rallyup.com/bctcedfoundation” and a QR code. The BCTC Education Foundation and SkillsUSA logos appear in the lower corners, with a note that proceeds benefit SkillsUSA competitors.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology center will operate a virtual learning day, today 12/2/2025. The campuses will be closed for in person learning. Students are expected to log into Schoology at their regular class time for further instructions from their teacher. Thank you and stay safe.

4 months ago, BCTC
A snow-covered rural road stretches into the distance, lined with tall trees coated in fresh snow. Some trees still have clusters of brown leaves. Power lines run along the right side of the road. In the foreground, a teal rectangular banner displays white text that reads, “BCTC WILL OPERATE A VIRTUAL LEARNING DAY.”

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Berks Career and Technology Center will be operating on a 2-hour delay Tomorrow 12/2/2025. Thank you.

4 months ago, BCTC
Snow-covered rural road with tire tracks leading into the distance, lined by trees coated in snow and a utility pole with wires overhead. A large teal rectangle in the foreground contains white text that reads: “BCTC is on a 2-hour delay.”
Stage 1: Complete! 🚀

Computerized Machining Technology students are off to a strong start on this year’s NASA HUNCH project. Dr. Bill Gibson, a Hardware Support Specialist with NASA HUNCH, stopped by to review their plans and share insights to help guide the next phase of the build.

Up next? Students are gearing up to begin machining a Jam Wheel — a component used to secure handrails on the International Space Station.
5 months ago, BCTC
A group of Computerized Machining Technology students stands together in a machining lab, posed in a line between two instructors and a NASA representative. One student in the center holds a large project planning board. CNC machines and shop equipment are visible in the background.
A group of Computerized Machining Technology students stands together in the machining lab posing with their instructor and a NASA representative. One student holds a project planning board in the center, and machining equipment and an American flag are visible behind them.
A NASA representative stands at the front of a classroom, speaking to students seated at desktop computers. A large monitor displays an image of space equipment, and handwritten machining notes cover the whiteboard behind him.
A NASA representative and a BCTC instructor stand at the front of a computer lab reviewing a technical drawing displayed on a large screen. Students seated at computer stations look on as a 3D model appears on their monitors.
A NASA representative stands near a large screen displaying engineering drawings while students sit at computers listening. A student in the foreground, wearing dark clothing and curly hair, is seated and facing forward.
A NASA representative stands in front of a projected 3D CAD model as students sit at computer stations watching. Technical notes and sketches cover the whiteboard behind him.
A NASA representative reviews papers with two Computerized Machining Technology students at a wooden workbench in the machining lab. The students stand across from him while CNC equipment and an American flag hang in the background.
Our SkillsUSA officers hit the road for a three-day experience at the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Central Region Fall Leadership Conference in Camp Hill — and they made the most of every moment. 🏛️

From team-building challenges to leadership workshops and hands-on activities, the conference pushed them to grow, collaborate, and think bigger.

They’re back with sharpened leadership skills, new connections, and a clear vision for elevating our SkillsUSA chapter this year.
5 months ago, BCTC
A large group of SkillsUSA students and instructors pose together in a hotel lobby. They are dressed in red SkillsUSA blazers and black pants, arranged in several rows with framed artwork and soft lighting behind them.
A group of SkillsUSA students and advisors pose on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. All are wearing red SkillsUSA blazers and black pants. The Capitol’s green dome rises behind them, and additional students in red blazers stand on the surrounding steps.
A line of SkillsUSA students in red blazers stand along a stone banister outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol. They are positioned diagonally down the railing, smiling toward the camera.
A student wearing a helmet and a leopard-print jacket rides a drift tricycle during an outdoor activity. Other students on tricycles and standing nearby are visible behind her.
A group of five students stand in a hotel hallway wearing bright Hawaiian shirts. They smile at the camera, and one student in the middle holds up a playful peace sign. The hallway is softly lit with beige walls and room doors on both sides.
A student wearing a colorful Hawaiian shirt and a glowing LED lei stands in a hotel hallway giving two thumbs up. Other students in bright shirts are gathered and talking behind him.
An adult rides a low-to-the-ground drift tricycle in a parking lot, smiling as he pedals. Parked vehicles are visible in the background.
An adult wearing a helmet and knee pads rides a drift tricycle in a parking lot. Two other riders follow behind him, and buildings line the background.
Construction Cluster students got an inside look at what it takes to build a successful career in the trades!

This week, students heard directly from industry professionals from the Pennsylvania Builders Association, who shared how they got their start, the work habits employers value most today, and practical job-search advice to help students stand out.

A huge thank-you to our guest speakers — Cathy and Kert Sloan of AA Remodeling/Aluminum Associates, Peter Bonargo of S.A.H. Inc., and Art Smith of Art Smith & Son H.V.A.C. Their experience and insights help our students better understand the opportunities ahead and what it truly means to be career-ready.
5 months ago, BCTC
A large group of Construction Cluster students sit in rows of gray chairs inside a workshop classroom, listening to three guest speakers seated at a table in the front of the room. The speakers—a woman and two men—are positioned near a windowed wall that looks into another lab space. The workshop has high ceilings with exposed ducts, fluorescent lighting, and various tools and equipment visible, including a tall red ladder in the foreground on the left.
Dozens of Construction Cluster students sit facing three guest speakers at the front of a workshop classroom. The speakers are seated behind a table along a wall of windows that look into another classroom. The room has high ceilings with exposed beams and ducts, overhead fluorescent lighting, and splattered paint marks on the floor. Students fill several rows of gray chairs, listening to the presentation.

🎶 Turn Up the Fun! 🎶
The BCTC Education Foundation is hosting the SkillsUSA Music Lover’s Raffle — and community support can help make it a success!

One lucky winner will score a $500 prize bundle featuring:
🎧 Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
🔊 JBL Bluetooth Speaker
🎵 1-Year Spotify Subscription

🎟️ Get your tickets: go.rallyup.com/bctcedfoundation

5 months ago, BCTC
A square promotional graphic for the BCTC Education Foundation’s SkillsUSA raffle. The background is orange with rounded corners. Large vertical text on the left reads “raffle drawing.” At the top right, two yellow Apple AirPods hover above an open charging case. A box next to them says “Win This Package: Apple AirPods, 1-year Spotify Subscription, Bluetooth Speaker.” Below, text states “Tickets Available Nov. 9 @ 9am – Dec. 21 @ 11:59pm” and “Winner Announced December 22 @ 9am.” At the bottom, a yellow price bubble lists ticket options: “$5 each | 4 for $10 | 10 for $20 | 25 for $40,” along with the link “go.rallyup.com/bctcedfoundation” and a QR code. The BCTC Education Foundation and SkillsUSA logos appear in the lower corners, with a note that proceeds benefit SkillsUSA competitors.
From nine concepts ➜ to three finalists ➜ to one standout design!

Thanks to the creativity and hard work of our Advertising Art & Design Technology students, the Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation has officially selected its new logo.

Congratulations to Justin, a senior at Governor Mifflin and third-year AADT student, whose design rose to the top. His work will represent the Foundation’s mission of supporting students, programs, and future workforce initiatives across Berks County.
5 months ago, BCTC
A composite graphic featuring two photos of groups standing with Advertising Art & Design Technology students, along with the Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation logo. The top photo shows thirteen people standing in a line in front of a large screen displaying the Education Foundation logo; a student near the center holds a certificate while others smile beside him. Below, a second photo shows nine individuals—including three students—standing together holding certificates in front of a BCTC wall display. To the right of the lower photo, the Education Foundation logo is shown again: a teal 3D cube with the letters “BCTC” on top and stylized lines forming the shape of an “E,” next to the text “Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation.” The graphic has a teal background framing the images.
🚀 Innovation in Action!

Two IT Programming seniors, Chase Rogers and Michael Keffer, turned a classroom project into Podium—a web-based sign-in system now used across multiple programs at BCTC.

Chase designed the front end. Michael built the back end. Together, they created a seamless digital tool that lets students scan their BCTC IDs to sign in and out, while instructors receive real-time attendance updates.

From solving time-zone glitches to navigating email-filter hurdles, these students brought a real-world solution to life—and it’s already improving efficiency schoolwide.

👉 Full story: berkscareer.com/article/2553150
5 months ago, BCTC
Two IT Programming students sit at a classroom table working on a laptop. In the foreground, Chase, a student with red hair and glasses, types on the keyboard while looking toward the camera. Next to him sits Michael, with straight brown hair, smiling as he faces forward. A barcode scanner is positioned beside the laptop. Behind them are gray lockers decorated with fall-themed cutouts.
✂️ In Cosmetology, great styling starts with understanding all hair types.
This week, our students focused on textured hair as they practiced and perfected their blow-out techniques — gaining the skills and confidence to deliver smooth, polished results for every client who sits in their chair.
5 months ago, BCTC
A group of Cosmetology students stand at a long classroom counter, each working on a mannequin head with textured hair. One student in the foreground smiles at the camera while holding a blow dryer, and others work in the background across the salon classroom.
A Cosmetology student wearing black scrubs and glasses uses a blow dryer on a mannequin head with textured hair. She is smiling at the camera while working at a salon station with beige cabinets in the background.
A Cosmetology student with long dark hair uses a blow dryer on a mannequin head with textured hair at a classroom station. Additional students work on mannequin heads in the background.
A Cosmetology student with long light brown hair smiles at the camera while holding a blow dryer to a mannequin head with textured hair. Other students work at stations behind her in the salon classroom.
A Cosmetology student with her hair pulled back uses a blow dryer on a mannequin head with textured hair. She looks toward the camera while working at a countertop filled with brushes and tools, with other students working in the background.

💥 Our BCTC pop-up store is still open, and there’s time to grab your favorite BCTC apparel and gear! 💥

From trusted brands to student-designed options, there’s something for everyone. The shop closes Saturday, so be sure to get your order in while you can!

🛒 The store closes November 15 at 11:59 PM, and orders will arrive in time for the holidays. Don’t miss it!

🔗 corporateimagesinc.chipply.com/bctc2025

5 months ago, BCTC
Screenshot of BCTC’s online pop-up school store showing the “Student Designed Logo” collection. Four apparel items are displayed in a row on a white background: a short-sleeve red T-shirt, a long-sleeve orange shirt, an olive green lightweight hoodie, and a black crewneck sweatshirt. Each item features a small BCTC Career & Technical Education logo with a student-created design on the upper left chest. Color swatches and prices are listed under each product. Navigation tabs are visible at the top, including View All, Student Designed Logo, Adult/Men’s, Men’s Tall, Ladies/Women’s, and Accessories.
🎥 Behind the Scenes of Antietam’s Steel Beam Signing

Video & Media Content Production students were on site at Stony Creek Elementary to professionally cover Antietam School District’s steel beam signing—a milestone moment in their elementary rebuild.

From gathering footage to documenting key moments with precision, our students put their event-coverage skills into practice in a real-world setting.
5 months ago, BCTC
Two BCTC students closely review the screen of a Nikon camera while standing on a grassy area. The student in front holds the camera, and the student behind points toward the controls. School buildings and a person walking in the distance appear in the background.
Two female BCTC students stand next to metal bleachers while working together to adjust a camera. One holds the camera body while the other makes adjustments. A tripod with a fluid head is set up beside them, and two male students are visible working with equipment in the background.
Two BCTC Video & Media Content Production students stand outdoors adjusting settings on a Nikon camera. One student holds the camera while the other leans in closely to assist. In the background, another student stands beside a video camera on a tripod near metal bleachers and a small shed.
A BCTC student wearing headphones films the steel beam signing event using a professional video camera mounted on a tripod. In the distance, a speaker stands at a podium, and a crowd of students is gathered near the school building behind them.
A BCTC student focuses intently while adjusting settings on a Nikon camera, standing on a grassy field during the steel beam signing event. In the background, another student films with a large video camera on a tripod near the podium.
Testing strength and building confidence in Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy 💪

Today, they’re performing manual muscle tests to evaluate strength and endurance. By measuring how much resistance a muscle can withstand, students gain valuable insight into muscle performance and function — a vital part of understanding rehabilitation and recovery.
5 months ago, BCTC
A Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy student performs a manual muscle strength test on a classmate who is lying on her side on a black therapy table. The student applies gentle resistance to the raised leg while smiling.
Two Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy students work together during a manual muscle test in the lab. One student stands beside the table applying resistance to his classmate’s leg while the other lies on his side for the exercise.
Two Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Therapy students conduct a knee assessment at a therapy table. One student sits upright with her legs over the edge while the other student applies resistance to her lower leg.
BCTC students enjoyed a fine-dining experience as our Culinary Arts students showcased their hospitality skills. 🍽️✨ From preparation to presentation, they crafted and served a full three-course breakfast—giving their peers an inside look at what it takes to run a professional dining experience.
5 months ago, BCTC
A Culinary Arts student in a white chef uniform smiles while preparing plates beside a cart filled with cups of fresh fruit in a commercial kitchen.
A Culinary Arts student wearing a white chef coat and hat stirs a large pot on the stove in a commercial kitchen, with other students working in the background.
A Hospitality student in a black uniform places a small dish in front of a seated student while others dine in the background.
Several white ramekins filled with raw eggs and shredded cheese are arranged on a metal tray, ready to be baked.
A Hospitality student in a black uniform takes payment from a guest at a counter inside the BCTC restaurant space.
A Culinary Arts student in a white chef coat and hat slices a waffle on a cutting board in a busy commercial kitchen.
A Culinary Arts student in a white chef uniform stands at the front of a dining room holding a clipboard and speaking to seated students while two hospitality students stand behind them.
A Hospitality student in a black uniform serves bowls of food to two seated students wearing teal program shirts at a dining table.
A Hospitality student in a black uniform pours coffee for a guest seated at a breakfast table during the dining experience.
A plated breakfast featuring toast, bacon, home-fried potatoes, a slice of quiche, waffle pieces topped with warm apples, and orange slices sits on a wooden table with silverware and a glass of water.
Carpentry students are sharpening their skills at the Student Built House as they cut, fit, and install the dormer frieze board. This hands-on work challenges them to measure precisely, make clean cuts, and ensure a seamless installation — all key elements of quality exterior construction.

Another great day of real-world learning for our future builders.
5 months ago, BCTC
A Carpentry instructor wearing a white hard hat points to a frieze board on a workbench while a student in a blue hard hat and green hoodie listens and reviews the material. The Student Built House and scaffolding are behind them.
Two Carpentry students stand on a porch area beneath the soffit of the Student Built House. One holds a level while the other stands on a ladder making measurements near the ceiling. Stone and brick exterior finishes surround them.
Two Carpentry students wearing blue hard hats and safety glasses stand outside at a job site, smiling while operating a red miter saw set up on a workbench. Houses and construction equipment are visible in the background.
Two Carpentry students wearing safety harnesses and blue hard hats work from a lifted platform as they install material on the dormer of the Student Built House. The dormer and roofline are visible below them.
Two Carpentry students in blue hard hats work together at a job site, guiding a piece of material through a red miter saw. Dirt, gravel, and nearby homes are visible in the background.
Two Carpentry students stand beside a red miter saw on an outdoor workbench. Both wear blue hard hats and smiles, with stacks of material and construction equipment behind them.