MUHLENBERG TWP., Pa. – At the Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center, students are learning skills employers are desperate for.
“Kids are learning some of the highest technology… some of the greatest things for a really in-demand labor market right now,” said Eric Kahler, the school’s administrative director.
During his budget address, Governor Josh Shapiro gave the school, and one former student, a shout-out.
“Pennsylvanians like Juana Caudillo Savala, who started charting her course at the Reading-Muhlenberg CTC back in high school,” Shapiro said.
Kahler says hearing that name hit home.
“So excited, so proud of her and of all of our students, and really the recognition across the state and across the country that career technical education is the future for tomorrow,” Kahler said.
The Governor is now proposing another $18 million for CTE programs statewide, bringing total funding to more than $200 million.
Here, that money matters.
“More than 30 percent of our funding comes from state sources, whether it’s equipment grants or subsidy funding for students,” Kahler explained.
And we’re talking about at least 1,400 students coming through this building every day, splitting time between high school classes and hands-on training.