Recognizing February 2022 as Career and Technical Education Month(r) in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, February 2022 has been designated Career and Technical Education Month® by the Association for Career and Technical Education; and

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

WHEREAS, Philadelphia has over 120 career and technical education curriculums in more than 30 schools; and

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

WHEREAS, Career and technical education 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 career and technical education-related fields, including healthcare, energy, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and information technology; and

WHEREAS, Career and technical education 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, Career and technical education programs help employers have access to a qualified and thriving workforce, ensuring America has a strong and competitive economy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize February 2022 as Career and Technical Education Month® in Philadelphia.

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