The State Board for Vocational Education heard information in November 2010 and approved the Application by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Education seeking accreditation status for the Bureau of Career and Technical Education. In 2004, PDE was granted this authority but it is set to expire June 2011. PDE is petitioning the U.S. Department of Education to renew its accreditation status. Career and Technology Centers (CTC) are eligible for Federal funds, in part, by holding accreditation status with an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. This allows CTCs to participate in the Federal student assistance programs. In 2004, when the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges discontinued this service CTCs were forced to f