[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E130-E131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 14, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, the Hernando County School District has 
long been committed to providing high-quality education that prepares 
students for success in both academic and career pursuits. The district 
believes in the power of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to 
support students in achieving economic independence and contribute 
meaningfully to the community.
  For its more than 23,000 students, the Hernando County School 
District offers a wide variety of CTE programs across 14 of the 16 
career clusters identified by the Florida Department of Education. 
These programs provide students with a comprehensive education focused 
on technical, ``soft'' and industry specific skills in fields ranging 
from Healthcare, Information Technology, and Agriculture to Skilled 
Trades and Entrepreneurship. More than 86 percent of Hernando School's 
graduating seniors have participated in CTE programs, underscoring the 
district's commitment to introducing and expanding access to these rich 
and experiential courses that will inform students long after 
graduation.
  A fundamental component of the growth and popularity of CTE in the 
school district is the

[[Page E131]]

collaboration between the school district, local industries, governing 
agencies and workforce leaders. This partnership ensures there is 
alignment between the needs of employers and industry leaders to the 
school districts CTE program, strengthening the talent pipeline and 
highlighting employment opportunities within the community. As an 
example, Hernando Schools was an early adopter of the Space Academy 
initiative led by Space Florida. As an advocate for this exciting and 
novel initiative, in 2024, HCSD was one of 22 school districts named a 
Space Academy District to grow Space Industry momentum in Hernando 
County.
  A significant milestone for the expansion of Career and Technical 
Education was the opening of the Wilton Simpson Technical College, the 
first postsecondary site in the county. Wilton Simpson Technical 
College or ``STC'' will provide the community with access to advanced 
technical training and certification programs, expanding postsecondary 
educational opportunities in needed workforce industries. Through the 
use of voter approved millage funds, Hernando Schools demonstrates a 
commitment to ensuring this new facility is outfitted with cutting-edge 
resources to enhance a variety of programs.
  The vision of the Hernando School District is to ``grow our own'' by 
providing educational pathways that lead to stable, rewarding, and 
local careers. We embrace our role and are honored to serve as a 
driving force for creating a healthy community through quality 
workforce education, strong partnerships with local leaders and as a 
proponent of forward-thinking industry initiatives that will position 
Hernando County as a lifelong home for residents. Hernando County is 
well positioned to be a place where education, industry, and community 
work hand-in-hand to create lasting success.

                          ____________________