Governor Shapiro and PDE Acting Secretary Rowe hold Roundtable discussion with educators, students, and national education leaders to highlight career and technical education

Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Acting Secretary Carrie Rowe joined the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, the Center for American Progress (CAP) President & CEO Neera Tanden, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and leaders from the School District of Philadelphia at Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical High School to highlight how Pennsylvania is leading the way on career and technical education (CTE) — giving more young people the freedom to chart their own course and build careers right here in Pennsylvania.

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Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has secured more than $2 billion in additional funding for K-12 education — the most significant investment in Pennsylvania history — and increased funding for vo-tech, CTE, and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million, a 50 percent increase compared to before he took office. Thanks to these investments, more than 3,000 additional students are now enrolled in CTE programs across the Commonwealth.

“Creating opportunity for students starts in the classroom — and that means investing in every pathway to success, whether it's college, the workforce, or the military,” said Governor Shapiro. “We’re showing what's possible when you invest in career and technical education — giving students hands-on training, connecting them to apprenticeships, and preparing them for good-paying jobs in high-demand fields. Here at Dobbins, students are gaining real-world experience that will set them up for success, and my Administration will keep working to expand opportunities like this all across Pennsylvania — ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

Governor Shapiro, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Superintendent Tony Watlington, educators, and political leaders joined the principal and students of Dobbins Career and Technical High School for a tour of the school. During this visit, Governor Shapiro and PDE Acting Secretary Rowe facilitated a roundtable discussion with educators, students, and national education leaders to emphasize the Commonwealth's investments in career and technical education.