[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 164 (Wednesday, October 3, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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      50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIDDEFORD REGIONAL CENTER OF TECHNOLOGY

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Biddeford 
Regional Center of Technology, which is celebrating its 50th 
anniversary. BRCOT offers unique hands-on programs and follows rigid 
national standards to help prepare its students for academic success 
and future careers. BRCOT offers a variety of programs to local high 
school students and integrates academic study with firsthand career and 
technical education. Students work closely with instructors who stress 
``learning by doing.''
  BRCOT began in 1967 when the Biddeford School Board and the Biddeford 
City Council voted to build an addition on to the high school 
specifically dedicated to technical training. This addition opened for 
the 1968 school year, and though, over the past 50 years focus on 
career and technical training ebbed and flowed, today there is a 
resurgence of interest and support for students to develop the skills 
and practical knowledge gained through career and technical education. 
BRCOT is one of 27 career and technical schools in Maine and serves 
students from Biddeford, Dayton, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and 
surrounding communities. Students can focus on 16 different career 
pathways, including auto technology, legal studies, early childhood 
education, machine tool technology, and welding and metal fabrication.
  BRCOT ensures that students are fully prepared to work in their 
chosen field by collaborating with the local business community to 
develop updated and current programs based on industry standards. All 
coursework is approved by the State of Maine and includes a heavy 
emphasis on safety and ``habits of work,'' with BRCOT providing job 
shadow and internship opportunities that give students real world 
experience. BRCOT also boasts an active student leadership council, 
representing students from each program. The leadership council is 
involved in community projects, fundraising, advising fellow students 
on BRCOT policies, and special events, such as the annual awards 
banquet.
  The 2018 school year has a full complement of 345 students in 16 
programs. BRCOT boasts a 90 percent graduating rate, with 40 percents 
of those students earning technical credentials, making them ready to 
transition to full-time careers. Nearly two-thirds of graduates choose 
to attend postsecondary schools, including Maine Maritime Academy, 
Maine College of Art, the University of Maine, as well as choosing to 
serve in the U.S. Army and the Marine Corps.
  I am proud to recognize the work of the Biddeford Regional Center of 
Technology. For 50 years, they have served thousands of students in the 
Biddeford area, increasing their skills and preparing them to continue 
their education or enter the workforce. I want to thank all of those 
involved in the work of BRCOT, from the students to the teachers and 
faculty, and I look forward to seeing their continued success for many 
more years to come.

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