Connecting Franklin County to the Value of Career and Technical Education

1. Connecting Franklin County to the Value of Career and Technical Education Jim Duffey, Administrative Director Franklin County Career and Technology CenterApril 30, 2019

2. Career & Technical Education IS “HOT” • The Legislation • Federal - Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. • State - PA Smart - A statewide movement for accountability, readiness, and training. • The Economy • Franklin County - high demand for skilled workers. • Franklin County – Top 10% in population growth in PA, 3.1% Unemployment. • Students & Parents • Standardized Testing – “Battle Weary” • Alternatives to High Cost of College Tuition

3. CTE Still Faces Challenges “…too often, CTE is considered an after-thought rather than a critical piece of a high-quality K-12 education...This way of thinking reinforces the unnatural separation of college-readiness from career-readiness (and valuing one over the other)”. (Las Vegas Sun, August 15, 2018) Today’s student (and parents for their children) aspire to a future career in a field about which they’re passionate for which active, hands-on learning exists. At the same time, college, remains a post-high school goal for nearly all parents and students. Applied learning in the trades (skilled training) must compliment academic theory to achieve success. (Association for Career and Technical Education https:acteonline.org) A Shared Vision for the Future of CTE must exist where the business community plays an active role in CTE programs, in part because “schools and postsecondary institutions cannot provide high-quality career pathways on their own. (Advance CTE; https://careertech.org)

4. Franklin County Career Tech is “HOT” and meeting the challenges

5. Our Story – Career Tech 6 School districts Semester-about 24 career and technical programs Over 1,000 students (13% increase over last 3 years) Industry-recognized credentials, post-secondary focused

6. How Does Career Tech Connect With Students? Recruiting Connection Starts with 5th Grade • Career Tech “student ambassadors” visit the Elementary Schools on “Roadshows” • Provide fun activities that happen to be related to Career Tech programs • 2019-20 – Bring them to our school – School as Game Board

7. How Does Career Tech Connect With Students? Recruiting Connection Continue in 8th Grade • More detailed programmatic presentations • Attract to lower enrolled but in-demand programs • Middle School Open House -Spring Culminate with 9th Grade • 9th Grade Specific Tours of Career Tech • High School Open House – Fall • Formal Interview Process

8. How Does Career Tech Connect With Sending Schools? • Joint Operating Committee (School Board) Advocacy. • Guidance Counselors • Recruiting visits and interview teams. • Meetings held at Career Tech. • Tours of the Career Tech for sending school district staff. • Market Career Tech as a resource for sending school. • ESSA, K-12 Career Counseling Plan, Future Ready

9. How Does Career Tech Connect With Parents? • We provide giveaways and promotional materials to 5th graders to take home to parents. • We invite parents into the school for tours. • Our strategy is to have parents begin thinking about Career Tech. • Connections with business have brought parents into the loop. • FM 103.7 – Career Corner - A monthly radio show connects with the community and parents. • https://soundcloud.com/newstalk1037fm/career-tech-09-jan

10. How Does Career Tech Connect With Business Close ties with Economic Development Initiatives • Director on FCADC Executive Board / FCADC Director on FCCTC General Advisory Committee • Maintain involvement on the South-Central PA Works Board. Very Involved Business Advisory Committee process • Over 340 Strong - Instructors are vital link to Employers – Cooperative Education • Program Sponsorships PA Department of Labor Business & Industry Recognition • 2018 Education Workforce Leadership Award - The Volvo link

11. We Think We Know What Business Wants? • Want to be asked to help: Businesses have to be sold on the value of the product. Once the product has value and relevance, they are willing to invest time and effort into the process. • Want structure: Business leaders want any engagement activities to be well-structured — starting with recruitment, placement and then ongoing support. They want clarity on what role they can play and what the impact of their engagement will be from the outset. • Want student engagement: We are comfortable letting the students sell the vision: a number of employers spoke of the tremendous value of having students be part of the recruitment process. • Want to be part of something that could have a major positive impact on their community at large.

12. Alumni Network • Countless individuals in our community who are Career Tech Alums. • Business Advisory Membership Comprised of many successful Alums. • Majority of our Staff are Alums. • Alumni Wall of Fame

13. Wall of Fame

14. Final Thoughts • “Career Tech” – Best kept secret in Franklin County. • College is no longer the only answer to success. • Career Readiness is the new buzzword in education.

15. Any Questions ?Jim Duffey, Administrative DirectorFranklin County Career & Technology Center(717)263-9033 (x213) Jim.Duffey@franklinctc.com