State budget provides $30M for career and technical education

© Shutterstock

The 2024-25 budget would increase funding for career and technical education (CTE) and equipment by $30 million.

“Over the past two years, I’ve visited career and technical schools in Altoona, Aston and today in Monaca, and I’ve heard over and over again how much these programs are in demand,” Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said on a tour of Beaver County Career & Technology Center (BCCTC).

During their first two years in office Gov. Josh Shapiro and Davis increased work force development funding by $61 million.

“We believe that work force development leads to economic development, and we are committed to giving our students the tools to build their futures,” Laura DelVecchio, BCCTC administrative director, said. “Our center is not a dead end, but a steppingstone – a place where all types of learners can find a career pathway that suits them best.”

BCCTC provides 17 different training programs to more than 800 students.

“Here in Beaver County, the CTC has been a great school for many, many years,” state Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver County) said. “It’s expanding — classes are full. They’re busting at the seams here, because kids know this is a pathway to come and get a good education without having to go to a four-year college.”