FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2023
Contact: Taj Magruder, tmagruder@pa.gov
Shapiro Administration Highlights Career, Technical Education at Cumberland Perry Area CTC
Governor Shapiro secured $23.5 million in the 2023-2024 budget to bring career and technical education back into the classroom, and $567 million in basic education funding – the largest increase to the Basic Education Funding Formula in Pennsylvania history.
Mechanicsburg, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, joined by Commissioner Kathryn Zerfuss from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), toured Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center (CPACTC) to highlight the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Pennsylvania.
“Career and technical centers provide students with diverse options for completing – and adding to – secondary education credentials, and an abundance of pathways to pursue after graduation. The experience and knowledge students gain while attending a career and technical institute is invaluable, and propels them toward a successful future,” said Secretary Mumin. “Programs like those at Cumberland Perry Area CTC provide students with certifications and skills that truly give them the freedom to chart their own course and explore meaningful career opportunities. I’m also thrilled that Commissioner Zerfuss is able to join us today to see the great things students are doing in a variety of career and technical areas.”
Cumberland Perry Area CTC has over 1,300 students enrolled in more than 20 programs in areas such as arts and technology; construction and maintenance; health sciences; advanced manufacturing; and transportation and logistics. In addition to morning and afternoon sessions for students in grades 9 through 12, CPACTC also offers evening and adult education courses in automotive technology, welding, CNC operations and machining, and more. CTCs build upon PDE’s mission to ensure that every learner has access to a world-class education, by giving students the ability to graduate from high school with industry certifications and credentials – increasing job prospects and opportunities in high-demand, high-paying, fulfilling careers.
“Cumberland Perry Area CTC is proud to host Secretary Mumin and Commissioner Zerfuss to showcase our 22 Career and Technical Education programs. Cumberland Perry provides over 1300 students with a head start on their career journeys after high school through real-world skills, industry credentials, and college credits,” said Justin Bruhn, CPACTC Administrative Director. “The school is currently working on a facility project that will provide space for approximately 275 additional students through expanded and new technical programs.”
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission oversees more than 9,000 entities which provide utility services across the Commonwealth. Those utilities and suppliers will need plant operators and technicians, industrial mechanics, engineers, line workers, electricians, solar developers, energy analysts, and economists as the Commonwealth moves through an energy transition that will bring systematic change.
“I am honored to be with Secretary Mumin celebrating investments in career and technical schools, such as Cumberland Perry Area CTC. I love talking with students, educators, and staff on how we can build a talent pipeline for a 21st century workforce,” said Commissioner Zerfuss. “As we undergo an energy transition, the Commonwealth will need to fill many critical jobs and as a PUC Commissioner, I am doing everything I can to help find talented people. I hope the students at Cumberland Perry Area CTC think about a fulfilling career in the energy and utility fields.”
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.
The 2023-24 commonsense, bipartisan budget delivers on Governor Shapiro’s top priorities to create a stronger economy, safer and healthier communities, and better schools. This budget makes a historic investment in students across the Commonwealth, including $567 million in basic education funding – the largest increase to the Basic Education Funding Formula in Pennsylvania history. It also includes $23.5 million to bring career and technical education back into the classroom, giving every student the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the website or follow PDE on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest.
Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow the PUC on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.
