On February 13, 2023, in recognition of National CTE Month, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Executive Deputy Secretary Angela Fitterer visited Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology with U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Under Secretary James Kvaal. During the visit, President Pedro Rivera facilitated a roundtable discussion with students, educators, and staff, and highlighted the college’s accredited, two-year course offerings that prepare students for the workforce.

“Schools like Thaddeus Stevens play a critical role in Pennsylvania’s education system—they are giving students the skills and experiences they need to leave school and obtain fulfilling, family-sustaining careers,” said Executive Deputy Secretary Fitterer. “There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to success, and it is critical that we continue to support and invest in the schools that provide students with an engaging, tailored approach to learning and will allow them to chart their own course.”

“Graduates of our programs are in high demand here in Pennsylvania and across the country,” said Pedro Rivera, President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. “In two years or less, we equip our students with the skills they need to thrive in the growing number of hands-on, good-paying jobs that are waiting for them.”

CTE in Pennsylvania offers students the opportunity to develop critical skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences, which allow them to apply academics to real-world situations. These programs are built on foundations of academic rigor and high expectations for student learning and success.

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a premier, residential, two-year, accredited technical college that prepares students for skilled employment in a diverse, ever-changing workforce. Founded in 1905 with 15 students, Thaddeus Stevens College has grown to more than 1,300 students and 24 high-skill, high-wage technical programs. The college was recognized by the Aspen Institute, an independent research panel, as one of the top 120 two-year colleges in the country for six consecutive years; it was the only two-year, technical college in Pennsylvania recognized by the Aspen Institute.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the website.