Private Industry Council's
Annual Celebration of Achievement

On September 21, 2010, PIC held a Celebration of Achievement to honor its 82 adult education students who received a GED during the past year and the 196 students who have shown large educational gains while participating in adult education classes. Also recognized were 22 students who have graduated from Education and Technology Institute's Medical Coding and Billing or Computerized Office Technology 6-month programs during the past year and six students who completed the first Nurse Aide Training program. The Nurse Aide Training program is offered in partnership with Quest Healthcare Development, Inc., and William Penn Care Center in Penn Township.

The event was held at PIC's corporate facility on Donohoe Road in Greensburg. The keynote speaker for the event was Dan Wukich, founder and chief executive officer of Quest Healthcare Development, Inc., Quest Realty Partnership and Allstar Therapies. In addition, Tim Yurcisin, PIC president, Tami Ozegovich, PIC director of education and Ted Kopas, County Commissioner, participated in the ceremony. Student speakers are always a highlight of the event and the following students spoke: Elizabeth Baker, Jennifer Moyer-Weltz, Jill Wood, and Paula Mounts. During the outdoor ceremony, each student was individually acknowledged and received a certificate of recognition from PIC's Education Division. A reception with light refreshments followed the program.

The Private Industry Council Education Division focuses on helping students set achievable goals, both long- and short-term, while stressing critical thinking and working to eliminate barriers to success. Adult Education is a major component of PIC's programs and services. As the leading adult basic education provider in Westmoreland County, PIC administers a number of adult education programs, including adult and family literacy, parent education programs, and free GED® preparation classes. PIC is also a State Approved GED® Testing Center and administers the GED® test weekly at several locations throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Education and Technology Institute (ETI) is licensed by the PA Department of Education State Board of Private Licensed Schools and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ETI offers various curricula that enable students to graduate with a diploma and competencies in various business and health-related skill areas. ETI has been serving area students since 1999 when it began offering a 6-month Computerized Office Technology diploma program. The Institute has since grown to offer several programs including Computerized Office Technology, Medical Coder/Biller, Medical Insurance, and Health Information Technician. The programs range from 6 to 11 months in length.

For more information on the event or PIC's Education Division, please contact Tami Ozegovich, director of education at (724) 836-2600, ext. 207.