Gary Area Career Center

Who We Are

Gary Area Career Center is the premier Career and Technical Education facility in Northwest Indiana. We are committed to being a multifaceted and diverse training program. Our highly-qualified, industry-certified teaching staff provides each student with knowledge acquired from their years of work experiences in the industry.In addition, our teaching staff continues to stay current in the industry through continued education and participation in industry related conferences and trainings. Allow us the opportunity to provide an engaging and relevant high school experience, prepare you for any post-secondary education aspirations, but most importantly, give you the education and skills for obtaining a fulfilling and high paying career!

Median salary range (2022)

$79,570

Students Learn

  • Aviation Technology
  • Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Exploration of the Current Aviation Environment 
  • Career and Employment Opportunities in the Field
  • Career Opportunities
  • Aircraft Mechanic, Pilot, Air Traffic Controller, Aviation Administration

Aviation Operations

The Aviation Operations program provides students with a broad-based introduction to the field of aviation. This course is designed to enhance students’ knowledge of the pertinent areas of aircraft basic science that comprise the scientific fundamentals applied in all areas of the aviation industry.

Median salary range (2022)

$33,400

Students Learn

  • The most current, technically precise education available in the barbering industry.
  • To trim, cut and shave hair, beards and mustaches.
  • The importance of theory and its application.
  • To cater to male and female clientele of all ages.
  • To develop a sense of style and passion for the traditional, as well as, the latest trends in hair design and grooming.

Barbering

The Barbering program is designed to prepare students for the Indiana State Board Barber Licensure Examination. The classroom activities prepare students with the academic knowledge needed to pass the licensure test. The laboratory activities take place in a barber shop environment with the opportunity to perform the skills on community members.

Median salary range (2022)

$44,890

Students Learn

  • Carpentry 

  • Floor, Wall and Roof Framing

  • Drywall

  • Siding

  • Door and Window Installation

  • Overview of the Concrete and Masonry Trades

  • Blueprint Reading

  • Personal, Shop and Work-Site Safety Practices

Industry Certification

  • NCCER

  • OSHA 10

Construction Trades

The Aviation Operations program provides students with a broad-based introduction to the field of aviation. This course is designed to enhance students’ knowledge of the pertinent areas of aircraft basic science that comprise the scientific fundamentals applied in all areas of the aviation industry.

Median salary range (2022)

$33,290

Students Learn

  • Make-Up Techniques

  • Cutting, Hair Designing, and Braiding

  • Perming and Straightening

  • Coloring

  • Manicuring/Pedicuring

Industry Certification

  • State Cosmetology License

Cosmetology 

The Cosmetology program is a two-year program for juniors and seniors. It is designed to qualify students for licensing through the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology. The instructional program includes classroom training and clinical experience in a salon setting. Along with the skills training, the program emphasizes hygiene, sanitation, and sterilization.

Median salary range (2022)

$65,790

Students Learn

  • Skills for entry level police and legal work

  • Traffic Control

  • Criminology

  • Forensic Science

Industry Certification

  • Emergency Telecommunicator Certification

Criminal Justice/

Law Enforcement

The Criminal Justice program introduces specialized classroom and practical experiences related to public safety occupations such as law enforcement, loss prevention services, and homeland security. These courses provide an introduction to the purposes, functions, and history of the three primary parts of the criminal justice system as well as an introduction to the investigative process.

Median salary range (2022)

$56,520

Students Learn

  • Classic and Trending Cooking Skills

  • Equipment Management

  • Kitchen Staff Management

  • Professionalism in the Kitchen

  • Sanitation and Hygiene Techniques

    Industry Certification

  • ServeSafe Sanitation Certification

  • ProStart National Certification

Culinary Arts & Hospitality

The Culinary Arts and Hospitality program at GACC will teach students techniques and hot industry trends in food. Students learn basic cooking skills, kitchen management, professionalism and equipment management. Working in an industrial kitchen, students will learn techniques passed down from world renowned chefs and compete amongst other culinary students.

Median salary range (2022)

$35,330

Students Learn

  • To teach small and large groups
  • To create developmentally appropriate lesson plans
  • How to maintain a healthy learning environment for children
  • How to demonstrate employment skills needed to work with youth

Industry Certification

  • Child Development Associate

Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work with and educate children from birth through eight years of age. Students gain skills and knowledge in development, discipline, health, safety, communication, planning, preparing, and presenting activities. Early Childhood Education is encouraged for the health development and nurturing of social skills because the brain is developing faster in this stage than at any other point in their lives.

Median salary range (2022)

$36,680

Students Learn

  • Ambulance services
  • Transport techniques
  • Definitive care
  • Clinical care
  • Dispatch and code

Industry Certification

  • Indiana EMT Certification

Emergency Medical Services

Emergency Medical Services prepares students for a State certification which could lead to a career in Emergency Medical Services such as an Emergency Medical Technician or a Paramedic. This course is designed for persons desiring to perform emergency medical care. Students will learn to recognize the seriousness of the patient’s condition, use the appropriate emergency care techniques and equipment to stabilize the patient, and transport them to the hospital. This course also addresses the handling of victims of hazardous materials accidents. It covers theories, techniques, and operational aspects of pre-hospital emergency care with the scope and responsibility of the basic emergency medical technician.

Median salary range (2022)

$57,990

Students Learn

  • Design principles and elements

  • Industry software, including Adobe Creative Apps

  • How to combine images and type to create conceptual designs

  • How to critique others and work with clients

Industry Certification

  • Adobe Certification

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design program develops the skills used in all aspects of the graphics industry, from design to completion of printed and digital media solutions. Students use professional graphic software programs to design media such as advertisements, logos, posters, animations, websites, apps and more.

Median salary range (2022)

$35,760

Students Learn

  • Anatomy and Physiology

  • Medical Terminology

  • Certified Nurse Aide Training

  • Basic Health Care Skills

Industry Certification

  • Certified Nursing Assistant

  • Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic

Health Science Education

The Health Science Education program is designed for students considering a career in the health and medical field. Students develop a wide range of skills including basic medical skills in patient care, records management and medical terminology.

Median salary range (2022)

$60,700

Students Learn

  • Programming
  • Writing, recording interviewing, editing, and announcing skills
  • Short Video Segments
  • Analyze Professional Programs

Career opportunities

  • A/V Technician
  • Camera Operator
  • Broadcast Technician
  • Radio Personality
  • Broadcast Operations Engineer
  • Production Engineer

Radio and TV Production

The Radio and TV Production program is designed for students considering a career in broadcasting. Students develop a wide range of skills digital production techniques for audio, video, studio and field production.

Median salary range (2022)

$47,540

Students Learn

  • Industrial and Welding Safety

  • Oxyacetylene Cutting/Welding

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding

  • Metal Inert Gas Welding (Mig)

  • Tungsten Inert Gas (Tig)

  • Welding Fabrication

  • Welding Blueprint Reading

Industry Certification

  • American Welding Society Certifications

Welding Technology

The Welding Technology program is designed to prepare students for the many careers available in welding. Welding is utilized in many industries including: automotive, construction, manufacturing, ship building, oil refineries, and transportation.

School Time:

8:20am-3:35pm

Late Start Wednesdays:

9:20am-3:35pm

Calendar

 

2023-2024

After School

 

For Questions, contact Out of School Time Coordinator Christine Preston

(219)702-8025

School Supply List

 

2023-2024

Bus Schedule

 

For Questions, contact the Transportation Department

(219)881-5426

School Contact

Location: 1800 E. 35th Avenue, Gary, IN 46409

Telephone: (219)962-7571

School Hours: M-F: 7am – 4pm

Get In Touch