WHEREAS, February 2023 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 119 Career and Technical Education programs 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; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the additional training and skills they bring, The City of Philadelphia now offers Career and Technical Education program graduates of the Philadelphia School District a five-point preference to qualified civil service applicants; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize February 2023 as Career and Technical Education Month® in Philadelphia.
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