Don Cunningham address OAC members before their October 2026 meetings.

SCHNECKSVILLE, Pa. — Experts and professionals from every industry in the Lehigh Valley convened at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute on Wednesday evening (Oct. 7, 2026) for the school’s biannual Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC) meetings.

Including teachers and administrators, nearly 400 people gathered to help shape the curriculum for each of LCTI’s high school and adult education programs. OAC members, drawing from their real-world experience, recommend what should be taught to students and with which equipment, tools, or software.

Featured speaker Don Cunningham described LCTI and other technical schools as a “secret sauce” for economic growth. They constantly replenish the Lehigh Valley’s deep talent pool; that’s why manufacturers Eli Lily and Chobani, for example, are making billion-dollar investments in the region, he explained.

Cunningham, president and CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, said economic growth depends on a quality workforce, which is a product of quality schools. “Thank you for being our pipeline to economic growth in the Lehigh Valley,” he told OAC members.

LCTI’s leadership works hard to ensure its program offerings and curricula align with the  community’s current and future needs, Executive Director Lisa Greenawalt said. OAC members are a critical component of that effort. “We try to replicate what’s happening in the Lehigh Valley so we’re ready for students’ next steps,” she said.

OAC members also heard from Rachael Scheffler, president of the newly formed LCTI Educational Foundation, who shared the nonprofit organization’s purpose and goals. The organization’s mission is to advance career and technical education by securing financial support that expands opportunities for LCTI students, she said.

Wednesday’s meetings served as a learning opportunity for students in LCTI’s Commercial Baking, Culinary Arts, Food Services and Indoor/Outdoor Maintenance programs. They prepared a hearty three-course meal that prefaced the evening’s meetings.

Director of Career & Technical Education Matthew Zampetti thanked the students and their teachers for their service. He also praised OAC members for sharing their time and expertise with LCTI.