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Governor Shapiro's Historic Investments in Career and Technical Education Show Success in Pennsylvania

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Governor Josh Shapiro's commitment to prioritizing skills and experience has yielded significant results in Pennsylvania, with the state leading the way in career and technical education (CTE). Since taking office, Shapiro has secured over $2 billion in additional funding for K-12 education, including a nearly 50 percent increase in CTE and vo-tech funding, resulting in more than 3,000 additional students enrolled in programs preparing them for high-demand industries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The School District of Philadelphia has expanded access to CTE programs, offering students training and industry certifications in fields like biotechnology, barbering, and culinary arts, with state funding increasing by $390 million over 25 percent in the first two years.
  • Pennsylvania has increased CTE and vo-tech funding by nearly 50 percent, resulting in over 3,000 additional students enrolling in programs preparing them for high-demand industries.
  • Governor Shapiro has secured more than $2 billion in additional funding for K-12 education, the largest investment in Pennsylvania history, and increased funding for vo-tech, CTE, and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million, a 50 percent increase.
  • The Shapiro Administration has partnered with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to expand CTE and apprenticeship opportunities for young people, connecting the effort to Pennsylvania's education system and workforce needs.
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) have formed a working group to help schools build earlier career pathways, which has already begun holding career days and creating free resources for schools.
  • Pennsylvania has registered 165 new apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, enrolling over 15,000 new apprentices since January 2023, and over 34,600 Pennsylvanians have entered registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs since Governor Shapiro took office.
  • The Shapiro Administration's investments have had a positive impact on education, with over 90 million breakfasts served to students last year, 778 schools expanding mental health services, and 317 school repair projects funded.

Statistics:

  • 25% increase in state funding for the School District of Philadelphia
  • $390 million increase in state funding for the School District of Philadelphia
  • 50% increase in CTE and vo-tech funding
  • 3,000 additional students enrolling in CTE programs
  • Over $2 billion in additional funding for K-12 education
  • $65 million increase in funding for vo-tech, CTE, and apprenticeships
  • 92% of Commonwealth jobs do not require a college degree
  • 10 million more breakfasts served to students last year
  • 778 schools expanded mental health services
  • 317 school repair projects funded
  • 34,600 Pennsylvanians entered registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs since Governor Shapiro took office

Sources:

  • Pennsylvania Governor's Office: [https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/gov-shapiro-and-sec-rowe-hold-roundtable-with-educators-students/](https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/gov-shapiro-and-sec-rowe-hold-roundtable-with-educators-students/)
  • American Federation of Teachers: [https://aft.org/news/education-and-apprenticeship-accelerator-expands-access-to-career-and-technical-education](https://aft.org/news/education-and-apprenticeship-accelerator-expands-access-to-career-and-technical-education)
  • Center for American Progress: [https://americanprogress.org/issues/education/post-secondary/news/2024/04/30/494421/the-future-of-work-based-learning-in-the-united-states/](https://americanprogress.org/issues/education/post-secondary/news/2024/04/30/494421/the-future-of-work-based-learning-in-the-united-states/)

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