Member News

The Lebanon County Career & Technology Center Secondary Culinary & Pastry Art Programs received a 5 year grant of accreditation from The American Culinary Federation Accreditation Commission and an “Exemplary Status” recognition for having zero non-compliance issues in the past two accreditations. The programs are headed by Chef Robert Corle Jr., CEC, CCE, Culinary Arts, and Chef Brian D. Peffley CEPC, CCE, AAC, head of the Pastry Arts Program.

According to both Chefs, this is the 4th accreditation since 1999 for culinary arts and 2003 pastry arts programs.

“Our programs have never had a non-compliance in our history,” said Chef Peffley. “Thank you to our outstanding students, parents, alumni, advisory board members, staff, and administration for all your support and hard work that went into making this happen!”

ACFEF programmatic accreditation assures that a program is meeting at least a minimum amount of standards and competencies set for faculty, curriculum and student services. Accreditation ensures that the program follows established standards, has accountability and credibility standards, and maintains a high level of professionalism and up-to-date practices. Accreditation by the ACFEF Accrediting Commission of a program at an institution is voluntary.

To receive accreditation, a program must first submit a self-study. Then, a three-member team performs an on-site evaluation to validate the information submitted in the self-study, which is compiled into a team report. Next, the Accrediting Commission reviews the report, along with the institution’s self-study, and decides if accreditation will be granted and for how long. An initial grant is for three or five years, while a renewal grant is for three, five or seven years.

“Exemplary Status symbolize the highest educational standards recognized by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC),” added Corle.  “The award is presented to programs that have proven full compliance with all ACFEFAC accreditation requirements in the last visiting team report along with excellent management of the program.”
The LCCTC offers industry clusters in: Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communications; Cosmetology; Health Science; Human Services; Hospitality and Tourism; Information Technology; Manufacturing; Practical Nursing and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.  Each industry program combines classroom instruction in the state-of-the-art training facility and “hands-on, real-world” experience, taught by instructors who are professionals in the industry. In addition, students can earn credits to be used toward certifications, college and accreditations.  The Culinary and Pastry Programs at the LCCTC offer  both Apprenticeship Programs and Articulation Agreements with HACC to help students further their careers. Apprenticeship is a DOL & ACF accredited 4,000 hour program in partnership with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts which includes the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey Country Club, and the Hotel Hershey.

“Take charge of your future” is more than a slogan of the LCCTC, it is a promise to each student.