YTI Career Institute, celebrating 34 years of success, first opened its doors in 1967. YTI Career Institute began as the American Institute of Drafting on Richland Avenue in York. Throughout the 1970's, the Drafting Program (now Computer Aided Drafting and Design) flourished. In 1981, the school moved to larger facilities on West King Street.

1984 brought the addition of the Electronics Technology program to YTI, and in 1985 yet another move to the former Springettsbury Township Elementary School on Whiteford Road in East York. These new facilities presented the school with the opportunity to expand program offerings to include Business curricula: Computerized Accounting and travel Tourism. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology and Industrial Automation/Robotics Technology were added in 1992 and 1995, respectively. Shortly thereafter, the Business Department expanded with the inclusion of Business Administration and Computer Systems Specialist. In 1998, Motorcycle Technology, Microsoft Networking Professional, and Culinary Arts/ Restaurant Management were added. Pastry Arts rounds out the food service programs, beginning October, 2000.

An applicant may apply for financial aid and admission to York Institute at the same time. A student seeking financial assistance through any of the financial aid programs should request this information at the time of admission. York Institute is authorized to participate in Title IV federal programs. Pennsylvania Resident Grants (PHEAA) Range from $100 to $3300 for each academic year. Available only for students in 21 month programs.

These programs were established to guarantee a minimum amount of funds to every eligible student planning to attend a post-secondary training institution. Eligibility is determined according to guidelines set by the federal government. The amount a particular student is entitled to is determined not only by that student's Federal Pell Grant Index (FPGI) number; but also by the cost of education, whether he or she is a fulltime or halftime student; and whether he or she attends schools for a full academic year.

In addition to federal student aid programs, students may be eligible for the trade Readjustment Act (TRA) or the Job training Partnership Act (JTPA). Some students are eligible for State Vocational Rehabilitation or Veterans Education and training benefits.