Pennsylvania Secretary of Education visits Dauphin County Technical School

Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Noe Ortega visited Dauphin County Technical School (DCTS) Thursday to celebrate CTE Month and highlight the importance of career and technical education.

“Through career and technical centers, students can work together with industry professionals in their schools and communities, network and build connections across the commonwealth, fulfill local workforce needs, and promote the valuable role career and technical education plays in our educational system. These innovative programs are built on foundations of academic rigor and high expectations for student learning and success,” Ortega said. “The achievements and successes of these students demonstrate how these schools advance the narrative that there are multiple pathways to postsecondary success for Pennsylvania’s students.”

Over the past seven years, Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration has invested $116 million in science, computer science, and technical education, including $80 million in the PAsmart program and $36 million in apprenticeships and workforce training. His proposed 2022 budget includes a $6 million increase for career and technical education.

Since 2015, Wolf’s office said, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 38.7 percent.

DCTS is a full-time public career and technical high school offering 24 programs of study in the schools of construction and manufacturing, visual arts and information technology, health sciences and public services, and transportation. The school also offers Advanced Placement classes and dual enrollment programs through Harrisburg Area Community College. DCTS also offers 16 Adult Education courses for adults looking to learn new skills.

“DCTS is honored that Secretary Ortega visited our school today to recognize the importance of CTE month and to view our outstanding programs as our goal at DCTS is to ensure we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and work ethic to become successful adults as they enter the workforce, college, or the military,” said Dr. Karen Pflugh, Administrative Director.