Where can business and industry turn when they need affordable and flexible solutions for training, retraining, and upskilling employees? In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has aligned its mission of equity in education and economic support to develop a solution.
Who is Thaddeus Stevens?
Thaddeus Stevens was a statesman, a lawyer and an opponent of slavery. He was also a dedicated philanthropist. Historical accounts expound on his prowess as a man of great strength, wealth and fortitude. But he came from a humble background. And he always made decisions based on what would benefit others.
Thaddeus Stevens attended Dartmouth University where he studied law. He went on to practice law in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and to serve as a member of the commonwealth’s House of Representatives. Well known for his opposition to slavery, Thaddeus Stevens was also a fierce advocate of public education. When he died in 1894, he willed Pennsylvania a sum of $50,000 ($1.58 million by today’s standards) to establish an orphanage open to all races and nationalities.
In 1905, Stevens Trade School was established as a three-year high school where students would learn academics and a trade so they could support themselves. Thaddeus Stevens had insisted there would be no segregation; the students ate, learned and lived together. In 1971, the school was converted to a two-year postsecondary institution where it began to seek accreditation, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education granted the institution this status in 1991.
An inspiring force for good
Today, Thaddeus Stevens College continues to flourish as a two-year technical college with 24 associate degree programs, four certificate programs, and a Workforce and Economic Development Center that offers short-term training programs. These are programs that offer a variety of technical and business education opportunities.
The school boasts a mission to focus on equity and open doors of opportunity to underrepresented and underserved populations. A new partnership between the college and Villanova University will enable interested students to continue their education. Thaddeus Stevens College also offers articulation agreements with various high schools and career and technical centers across the Commonwealth.
“I loved how hands on everything is at Thaddeus Stevens College. It gave me good insight into what the job would be like. Working in the labs with real equipment was very valuable. My professors were a huge inspiration and help. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone understood the material. It is an amazing school with amazing programs.” –Elizabeth S., Class of 2022, Water & Environmental Technology
High-quality CTE for all
Thaddeus Stevens asserts great affordability. The school also offers robust financial aid to students; more than 90% of students benefit from access to aid. And when eligible learners need extra help, the school offers a “last dollar” Stevens Grant, which can go toward tuition, housing and food. Administrators do everything possible to help all students who want to attend, regardless of economic status.
The institution also offers many opportunities for community development, including five different athletics programs. And about half of the students live on campus. Robust intramurals, student clubs and activities, and an extremely dedicated academic coaching team all help build connection and foster student success at Thaddeus Stevens College.
Popular course offerings
- The most popular associate degree programs are HVAC, Electrical Technology, Welding, Architectural Technology, and Carpentry Technology.
- The most popular certificate program is the Electrical Construction and Maintenance program.
- The workforce programs include Industrial and Commercial HVAC, Industrial and Commercial Electromechanical, Industrial and Commercial Plumbing, Facilities Maintenance, and Information Technology Support Specialist.
- A new six-month course, Metals Fabrication & Welding, was launched in January 2025.
Thomas Viviano, Ph.D., has been a CTE teacher, a principal, and a director of CTE schools. He has taught CTE teacher education at Temple University and electrical technology at Bucks County Community College. He is the author of three books and many articles.
