Glenn Thompson: “On Monday, I had the privilege of visiting Central Mountain High School's Career and Technology Education Center. It is…”

“On Monday, I had the privilege of visiting Central Mountain High School's Career and Technology Education Center. It is a state-of-the-art 235,000-square- foot academic career technical education complex. The Keystone Central School District has introduced and implemented a CTE curriculum that offers a totally integrated academic, career, and technical education for all 9th through 12th graders. The integration model allows all students to explore and attain high academic and technical skills in their chosen profession. This system is designed to provide all students with an educational exploration opportunity that is both rigorous and relevant for career and post- secondary success. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus and author of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, I am thrilled to see this kind of educational complex in my community. Offering CTE programs to students in high school truly gives them an opportunity to explore career options. There is an enormous skills gap that exists today in America. There are good-paying, family-sustaining jobs out there, but people need the right skills to obtain those jobs. CTE programs are the pathway to success. ____________________”