The educational opportunities for Unionville High School senior Gina Gallo are an illustration of how the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) is dedicated to providing high-quality, student-centered services that help every learner succeed. These opportunities create personalized pathways for students to follow their passions and achieve their goals.

Gallo is completing her fourth year in the Veterinary Science program at the Chester County Technical College High School (TCHS) Pennock’s Bridge campus, where she gains hands-on experience in animal care and agricultural science. The program equips students with technical skills while offering real-world learning opportunities that align with Gallo’s passion for agriculture.

“Gina is a very outgoing student who is willing to try new things,” said Sarah Martin, a Veterinary Science instructor. “She is active in the TCHS Pennock's Bridge FFA Chapter and attends field trips and leadership events to enhance her educational experience.” FFA is a career and technical student organization (CTSO) within the field, focusing on agricultural education. 

In addition to her work in Veterinary Science program, Gallo also participates in the Teacher Leadership Academy (TLA) in the afternoons. The program provides students with leadership development and practical classroom experience, allowing them to explore teaching careers and work with diverse learners. 

Over the summer, Gallo volunteered for five weeks at Camp Geronimo in West Chester, a camp for children with disabilities. Through this experience, along with the learning support she receives at TCHS, she discovered a passion for special education. Gallo hopes to combine her interests in agriculture and special education in her future career.

To complete her busy schedule, Gallo takes a Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) English course, reflecting CCIU’s commitment to custom, personalized education plans to meet students’ needs. 

“Without BVA, I wouldn’t have an English class — and I need four years of English to graduate. It’s been so helpful to be able to do it online instead of trying to fit another class into my already busy schedule. BVA gives me the flexibility to work on my English class in between the Vet Science program and TLA,” Gallo said.

“BVA and TCHS have worked hard to integrate their programs to ensure that all students who would like to pursue career and technical pathways can do so without scheduling barriers, through a personalized combination of online courses and in-person CTE programs,” added Dr. Jeanne McCarthy, director of BVA.

“Too often, students are told that plans outside the 'normal' aren’t possible,” said TLA instructor Ryan Thompson. “Gina found a way to make her passion for agriculture work with her interest in education. Creativity in scheduling and support from Unionville-Chadds Ford School District made Gallo’s dream a reality. We’re arranging placements for internships in both regular education classrooms and agricultural education classrooms in southern Chester County. These experiences before she even enters college will help shape her future career.”

Gallo is also enrolled in dual enrollment courses and will earn college credits through Delaware County Community College (DCCC) while attending TCHS.

Gina Gallo’s story exemplifies how CCIU blends technical education, leadership training, and academic support to meet students’ individual goals. By providing flexible and innovative pathways, CCIU empowers students to build skills, confidence, and clarity for their futures. 

As she prepares to graduate this spring, Gallo stands as a living example of the CCIU’s mission and vision of building tomorrow’s leaders today through customized education.

“The CCIU has really helped me customize my learning experience to fit what I want to do,” said Gallo. “Here at TCHS, I’m doing what I enjoy, and I’ve noticed that I get better grades and I’m a lot happier. It also is preparing me for the future.”