Policy committee examines impact of increased funding for career and technical education
State investment has increased by nearly 50% since 2023
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro August 3, 2026 | 4:17 PM
DOWNINGTOWN, Aug. 3 – As the demand for skilled trade jobs continues to grow, House Democrats increased funding for career and technical education in this year’s budget to help prepare more students for good-paying jobs. On Monday, the House Majority Policy Committee visited Technical College High School’s Downingtown Campus for a tour and roundtable discussion to see firsthand how this investment will help create careers for more people and keep Pennsylvania competitive.
“Every student deserves access to an education that prepares them for success, whether that’s college, the workforce, or an apprenticeship. By increasing funding for career and technical education, we’re increasing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in fields that are essential to Pennsylvania’s continued growth and success,” said Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester), who hosted Monday’s roundtable discussion. “Today’s tour and roundtable gave us great insight into how impactful these programs are and what we can do in Harrisburg to build on the success we’ve already seen.”
Technical College High School, part of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), has three campuses that serve different school districts in Chester County, offering a career-focused program for high school students across the region. It offers a hands-on approach to education where students can apply the skills they learn in the classroom to real-world situations across a variety of industries. CCIU leaders say interest in their programs has skyrocketed in the past few years, currently serving approximately 3,000 students across the three campuses.
This year’s budget increased the state’s investment in career and technical education by $10 million, allowing even more students the chance to participate in these programs. Since 2023, state funding for career and technical education programs has increased by nearly 50 percent, representing a $65 million investment that helps put more teachers in classrooms and expands access for students. This has helped an additional 3,000 Pennsylvania students enter career and technical education programs.
“This isn’t just an investment in the future of our students; it’s also an investment in the future of Pennsylvania. This additional funding will help schools modernize programs, prepare students for in-demand careers, and ensure employers across the commonwealth have access to talented, home-grown talent,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie). “When we invest in our students today, we’re building a stronger, more competitive Pennsylvania for generations to come.”
Monday’s roundtable discussion included the following CCIU administrators and staff: Dr. George Fiore, Executive Director; Dr. Jennifer Murray, Assistant Executive Director; Dr. Sarah Yoder, Director of Learning & Leadership Solutions; Dr. Steve Leever, Director of Career, Technical & Customized Education; Charlie Haydt, Supervisor of career, Technical & Customized Education; Ron Wilson, Principal of Technical College High School’s Pennock’s Bridge Campus; and Chris Knechel, Principal of Technical College High School’s Pickering Campus. Prior to the roundtable discussion, the committee was led on a tour of Technical College High School’s Downingtown Campus by CCIU administrators, staff, students, and alumni.
Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee events can be found at pahouse.com/policy.