Serving Career and Technical Education Students in Pennsylvania
Career and Technical Student Organizations Serving Career and Technical Education Students in Pennsylvania 1 Dear CTSO Leaders, As the leader of a statewide trade association dedicated to the growth and development of the technology industry in Pennsylvania, I am keenly aware of the need for a highly-skilled, well-trained, and motivated workforce. At the Technology Council of Pennsylvania, we are strong advocates for advancements in and the promotion of S.T.E.M. education, as well as career and technical training, in order to prepare our young people to succeed in the 21st Century, global economy. That is why we support the work of Pennsylvania’s Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) and the critical role they play in today’s education community. For nearly 70 years, CTSOs have been able to extend teaching and learning through a variety of targeted programs, public-private partnerships and leadership development initiatives that produce technically advanced, employable students to meet the needs of this country’s diverse employer base. Today, the work of CTSOs has never been more valuable as our economy demands workers with a strong understanding of science, technology, engineering and math concepts as well as hands-on technical expertise. The co-curricular approach of CTSOs uniquely positions these organizations to enhance student skill sets and better prepare them to excel in their chosen careers. In order for Pennsylvania and the United States to not only compete, but succeed on a global stage, we need to ensure that the very technology and innovation companies that are driving this global economy have the availability of a well-qualified workforce.
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