Jeffrey Imbrescia, CEO & President, Douglas Education Center

In an interview with Invest:, Jeffrey Imbrescia, CEO and President of Douglas Education Center (DEC), discussed the importance of career education, DEC’s secret to a graduation rate higher than the national average, and its strategies to continue growing in the current landscape. “Overall, we’re constantly updating and improving our programs based on the skills needed for tomorrow’s job market,” Imbrescia said. “Our top priority is ensuring student achievement and success, not simply enrollment numbers.”

What events shaped the past year for Douglas Education Center?

We are a licensed and accredited post-secondary career school. We received the maximum five-year award after our evaluation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), our accrediting body. We were also honored by ACCSC as a School of Excellence again, which granted us an additional year of accreditation. This was quite an honor and achievement.

Douglas Education Center has a graduation rate of 82%, well above the national average. What has driven these strong completion outcomes?

It starts with the enrollment process. We reach out to potential students to explore their interest in our programs and assess how they may benefit from them. Our programs are the next factor. They include hands-on training with instructors actively working in the industry and remaining connected to the current changes and shifts in their respective discipline. They know firsthand what is needed for a particular career, and they become mentors to our students.

How are you attracting and preparing talent, particularly in creative trades like Cosmetology or Special Effects, while adapting programs to meet workforce demands?

Our executive team meets periodically with our Program Advisory Boards comprised of representatives from the employment community (including alumni), practitioners, and others from the field of education, who make recommendations and provide key information and materials on their areas of expertise. Advisory board members advise DEC on its programs and support and advocate on behalf of the institution, ensuring that DEC continues to stay abreast and ahead of industry needs.

Our Career Services Department assists our graduates in becoming gainfully employed through job posting, professional engagement, and establishing professional relationships. Even after graduation, our Career Services team remains in communication with graduates for professional support. In addition to their work with graduates, Career Services also actively cultivates relationships with current students to ensure preparation and confidence when entering the workforce. Career Services assists students in procuring part-time work while in school, building portfolios, creating and updating resumes, and developing and practicing interview skills. DEC invites employers to campus to conduct interviews of potential graduates. This networking equips our current students and graduates with essential skills and also fosters meaningful connections within the community—ultimately supporting hiring opportunities and workforce development.

There is a strong familiarity within our community about our services and the resources we offer. For example, this year marks the 25th anniversary of Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects program. Over the years, many of our graduates have not only built successful careers but also gone on to hire fellow alumni, creating a thriving network of professionals connected through our program.

Overall, we are constantly updating and improving our programs based on the current job market. We are in the process of adding two new programs: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program and Residential and Commercial Electrician program. Our goal is to have classes in both programs begin in October 2026.

What is the unique value of vocational education today, and where does Douglas Education Center fit in the discussion?

National and regional statistics reflect the demand for skilled trades and the shortage in the workforce. These occupations afford individuals with the chance to earn family-sustaining wages and competitive benefits.

DEC is always looking to add new and relevant programs. Over 15 years ago, DEC saw a need and opportunity and began offering our Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program.We offer two programs—a day program and an evening program with classes offered during the day for seven weeks (Monday-Thursday) or in the evenings (Tuesday-Thursday) and Saturdays during the day for ten weeks. At only 210 hours, these programs offer a flexibility and a pathway for development for working adults.

DEC is viewed as being a destination school attracting students locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, and we are blessed to offer two signature programs: Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program and George A. Romero’s Filmmaking Program. 

Additionally, to our knowledge, DEC is the only career school in Pennsylvania to offer an Advanced Cosmetic Techniques program to licensed cosmetologists and estheticians.

What emerging trends in vocational education or career training, especially in the Pittsburgh area, are the most notable right now?

The biggest trend is the emphasis on skilled trades versus more traditional post-secondary education. The federal government, the controlling body of financial aid, is investing more money at the state and local levels in shorter programs. The skills for the future in-demand jobs are developed in the career schools.

As discussed previously, DEC is researching and developing two new programs, HVAC/R and Residential and Commercial Electrician, because of the current job demand and projected need within the buildout of AI data centers. These data centers require a great deal of power, in addition to a controlled climate, and skilled and trained employees will be needed to maintain these facilities. 

What challenges are you facing in the current landscape?

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world today. President Trump and his administration are shrinking the size of the federal government and potentially eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Financial aid policies and student eligibility are also undergoing change. Society may be hesitant to pursue further education because of perceived ineligibility or the inability to afford additional education.

Despite these potential challenges, DEC remains optimistic about the future of our students and confident in navigating the changes and adjustments that may arise.

What initiatives are in place for Douglas to either receive funding or to provide sponsorships or scholarships for students?

Every year, DEC provides about $150,000 in scholarships to potential students enrolling at DEC. DEC also partners with outside agencies for grant funding and assisting students with their need for “gap funding.” DEC has partnered with the Private Industry Council (PIC), a nonprofit organization focused on employment and training programs, and Westmoreland Community Action, an agency providing services and assistance towards the elimination of poverty by developing employment opportunities. These agencies provide opportunities for members in our local communities to obtain a career-focused education to ensure they are in a strong position to maintain their role as the primary earner. Programs that have been funded by these agencies are Commercial Driver License Training and also Heavy Equipment Training.

What are your key goals and priorities for Douglas over the next two or three years?

The major priority is to continue to look for other programs that could enhance our offerings and help our community. Also, DEC will continue to assist those students who can benefit from our programs and to support employers in hiring the skilled workers they need.

Our next short-term goal is to have the two new programs approved by our regulatory agencies.