Recognizing February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Awareness Month in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, February 2020 has been designated CTE Month by the Association for CTE; and

WHEREAS, CTE offers students the opportunity to gain the academic, technical and employability skills necessary for true career readiness; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia has over 40 CTE curriculums in more than 28 schools; and

WHEREAS, Students in CTE programs participate in authentic, meaningful experiences that improve the quality of their education and increase their engagement and achievement; and

WHEREAS, CTE provides students with career exploration opportunities earlier in their educational experience, which enables them to make informed and beneficial decisions about their academic coursework and pursue established programs of study and career pathways; and

WHEREAS, Leaders from business and industry nationwide report increasing challenges related to addressing the skills gap and connecting qualified professionals with available careers in critical and growing CTE-related fields, including healthcare, energy, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and information technology; and

WHEREAS, CTE prepares students for these and other fulfilling careers by offering integrated programs of study that link secondary and postsecondary education and lead to the attainment of industry-recognized credentials; and

WHEREAS, CTE programs ensure that employers have access to a qualified and thriving workforce, ensuring America is a strong and competitive economy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Awareness Month in Philadelphia.

End