The Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School (BAVTS) is an educational partnership with the Bethlehem Area, Northampton Area, and Saucon Valley school districts. The school is Located in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.  BAVTS serves, approximately, 1,300 students on a half-day about a delivery system (students spend ½ day at their sending high school and ½ day at our facility) through career and technical instruction in twenty-seven (27) unique programs of study within seven career clusters.

BAVTS is a student-centered career and technical facility working to meet the needs of our diverse student population through challenging, integrated educational experiences of curriculum and community support. In cooperation with all of our shareholders, we provide a roadmap for success regardless of what career path our students choose.

BAVTS provides the necessary career paths, supports and training to ensure success for all students throughout their secondary, post-secondary and working careers. We are assisted in this process through our partnerships in education: parents, sending districts, business/industry, and post-secondary institutions. We recognize and appreciate our diverse student population and will work together to build individual foundations that support lifelong goals. 

Our philosophy at BAVTS is to provide student-centered career education that enhances academic goals while at the same time meets the needs of our diverse population and schedules. We strive to provide the leadership and support that is necessary at all levels of instruction so that organizational missions and goals can be attained.

19 Students Experience the World of Food Science at Brenntag

Over the course of two exciting days, January 14th and 15th, 19 students enrolled in the Culinary Arts and Commercial Baking programs at the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School (BAVTS) had the unique opportunity to explore the dynamic world of food science during a special “Day in the Life of a Food Scientist” event at Brenntag, a global leader in the distribution of food ingredients and chemicals.

The two-day event allowed students to step outside the traditional classroom setting and gain hands-on insights into the science behind food production, ingredient sourcing, and the role of food scientists in ensuring product safety, quality, and innovation. Hosted by Brenntag’s experienced team of food industry professionals, the students were given exclusive access to state-of-the-art labs and cutting-edge food formulation technologies.

“The partnership between BAVTS and Brenntag provided our students with an invaluable opportunity to connect their culinary skills to the broader food industry,” said Adam Lazarchak, Executive Director at Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School. “This experience not only expanded their understanding of the food science field, but also opened doors to potential career pathways in food safety, product development, and beyond.”

Each day, the students participated in interactive demonstrations and engaging discussions, learning how food scientists work to create innovative products, maintain safety standards, and address the nutritional needs of consumers. Additionally, they gained insights into the wide variety of careers available within the food science sector, from research and development to quality control and regulatory affairs.

“We’re excited to host the next generation of food professionals and help them understand the critical role food scientists play in the development and safety of food products,” said Terry Wagner, Manager of Innovations and Applications at Brenntag. “At Brenntag, we are committed to fostering innovation in food science and offering real-world experiences that inspire young talent to pursue careers in this exciting and ever-evolving industry.”

This educational partnership between BAVTS and Brenntag underscores the school’s ongoing commitment to providing students with relevant, real-world learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers in the culinary and food industries.