Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is an acclaimed residential two-year college accepting students from throughout the state of Pennsylvania as well as veterans, members of the armed forces, and their families. As an accredited technical college, we are dedicated to preparing students for high-demand careers with family-thriving wages.

Founded as Stevens College in 1905, the school was initially a public institution for orphans of the state who learned a trade combined with academic education. It was begun based on a bequest in the will of Thaddeus Stevens, a statesman who dedicated his life to creating access to education and equity among those who faced injustice.

Today, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology offers two-year associate degrees in 24 programs to more than 1,400 students. In addition, the college offers four nine-month certificate programs as well as six-month and six-week short-term training at our Workforce and Economic Development Center in partnership with Tec Centro in Lancaster.

Inspiring Student Outcomes

An education from Thaddeus Stevens College provides the springboard for a sustainable future.

97% placement rate:

93% with jobs; 4% continuing ed

21 job opportunities per graduate

Mission

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology educates Pennsylvania’s economically and socially disadvantaged as well as other qualified students for skilled employment in a diverse, ever-changing workforce and for full effective participation as citizens.

Vision

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology will be the best two-year technical college of its kind by adding value to the lives of our students so that they will find skilled employment, be effective citizens, and reach their full potential.

Core Values

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is committed to structuring and maintaining its daily functions around these core values.

Integrity

We value the commitment to high moral/ethical standards, honesty, and fairness in teaching and learning, social engagements, and professional practices.

Diversity

We value the recognition of the variety of unique individuals within our world and the interdependence upon each other, each other’s culture, and the natural environment. We value the differences and respect the qualities and experiences that are different from our own.

Respect

We value the unbiased consideration, treatment, and regard for the rights, values, beliefs, and property of all other people.

Teamwork

Teamwork: We value working cooperatively and collaboratively as part of a group in which there is a shared mission and vision aligned toward a goal.

Life-Long Learning

We value the relentless dedication to increasing the knowledge and competencies of all individuals associated with the College. We recognize that human resources are the College’s only sustainable competitive advantage.

Accountability

We value taking responsibility for actions and the results of those actions; honoring obligations, expectations, and requirements; delivering what is promised; and owning up to shortcomings and mistakes.

History

Thaddeus Stevens ‘College’ was originally founded as a public institution for orphans of Pennsylvania who were willing to learn a trade combined with an academic education. The organization originally began as a three-year high school from a bequest in the will of Thaddeus Stevens, philanthropist and statesman. First opening its doors in 1905, the school followed the principle “No preference shall be shown on account of race or color in admission to the school. They shall be fed at the same table,” as stated in the Stevens’ will. The school began with 15 students in attendance.

As an institution, equity is in its founding principles. Thaddeus Stevens suffered from a physical disability and grew up in poverty, and he profoundly valued access to opportunity and education. Through the legacy of his life and the bequest in his will, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology today embodies those values.

In 1971, the school converted from its three-year program to a two-year educational system. At that time, the College began to work toward developing a curriculum that would result in accreditation for its students to earn degrees. Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education was first granted in 1991, and the school has since grown and expanded into many programs.

Today, the College features 24 associate degree programs, 4 nine-month certificate programs, and several short-term training programs ranging from six weeks to six months’ to completion. Our focus ranges include computer sciences, engineering, construction trades, robotics, welding, business, printing, and water technology.