What is the Granite Technical Institute?
The Granite Technical Institute (GTI) provides hands-on technical education and training to 9-12th graders. Most of the classes are concurrent enrollment (a college class offered to high school students) allowing students to easily earn high school and college credit. Some of the programs provide a pathway to certification by high school graduation (i.e. In the Health Science program students can become a certified C.N.A. by high school graduation). Students who attend the GTI receive specialized training in their field that will help them get into programs of higher learning or receive a professional job.
What programs are available at GTI?
GTI offers classes in the following programs: Agriculture Science, Education Academy, Aviation, Biotechnology, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, Health Science, Information Technology, Technology and Engineering, and Academies of Business.
See what classes are offered in each program by viewing the GTI Quick Glance (PDF)
Why should I attend the GTI?
Attending the GTI is essentially a massive life hack for high school students—whether you are aiming for a four-year university or wanting to jump straight into the workforce.
Here is a breakdown of the top reasons why you should attend:
1. It’s a Massive Boost for College Applications
There is a huge misconception that technical centers are only for students who don’t want to go to college. In reality, it makes you a much more competitive applicant.
- Stand Out: Admissions officers see hundreds of identical resumes. Having a professional certification (like nursing) proves you are driven.
- Show, Don’t Tell: It proves to colleges that you actually take advantage of unique opportunities, leadership roles, and hands-on experiences.
2. You Get a Head Start on Your Career
Instead of waiting until college to start learning your trade, the GTI lets you build a portfolio or log professional hours early.
- Earn Required Hours: If you want to go into medicine, many college programs require hands-on patient hours before you can even apply. The GTI lets you knock these out ahead of time.
- Build Elite Skills: Want to work somewhere like Pixar? You can start mastering animation tools and software years before your peers.
3. Low-Risk, Low-Cost Career Testing
College is an incredibly expensive place to figure out what you don’t want to do.
- The “Blood Test”: The text notes students who entered the medical program only to realize they couldn’t handle the sight of blood. Discovering that at the GTI costs you next to nothing; discovering it in a college lecture hall costs thousands of dollars.
- No Academic Penalties: Colleges can penalize or even dismiss students who spend too many semesters changing majors and wandering through degrees. The GTI gives you a safe space to explore your talents risk-free.
4. Better Side Hustles to Pay for College
Even if you don’t want to do this specific job forever, a GTI certification gives you an immediate financial upgrade.
- Working as a certified dental hygienist or technician while in college pays significantly more than a standard fast-food or retail job.
- Better pay means less student debt and a more flexible schedule while you finish your degree.
The Bottom Line: Attending the GTI isn’t about bypassing college—it’s about preparing smarter, saving money, and testing out your dreams before you have to pay full price for them.
What specific career path or program at the GTI are you most curious about exploring?
You must be logged in to post a comment.