[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 9099-9100]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ENSURES A COMPETITIVE AND SUCCESSFUL 
                               WORKFORCE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I serve as cochairman of 
the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus with my friend 
and colleague Jim Langevin of Rhode Island. The Career and Technical 
Education Caucus is a group of Members seeking to broaden awareness 
here on Capitol Hill of the importance of career and technical 
education.
  I take the floor today to offer yet another example of the critical 
role that career and technical education plays in helping individuals 
remain competitive in a constantly changing workforce environment.
  On June 7, 2011, history was made at the Central Pennsylvania 
Institute of Science and Technology. Two young ladies, Anna Krishak and 
Tricia Reich, graduated from their automotive technology program at the 
highest level possible offered by CPI. These nontraditional students in 
the automotive technology program earned their diploma along with 
State, national, and world certifications in their field of study.
  The most amazing part about their accomplishments was their path to 
success. Anna had only one year in the automotive technology program. 
She quickly earned the respect of her instructor, met the 
qualifications of CPI's school-to-work cooperative education program, 
and became employed at a local car dealership just shortly after the 
school year began. Despite absences due to a medical condition, Tricia 
completed all of her assignments and exceeded almost all other

[[Page 9100]]

classmates. Tricia became eligible for CPI's cooperative education 
program and also later was employed at a local car dealership.
  In the process, both young ladies received college credit that can be 
transferred to many colleges and universities in the United States. In 
addition, both Anna and Tricia completed evening certification courses 
geared towards enhancing their education, which ensured a successful 
career path. Despite tough economic times, Tricia and Anna have found a 
way to make ends meet. They have broadened their horizons and found 
their own competitive advantage in the marketplace, despite an ever-
changing economy.
  This story serves as a reminder for my fellow Members, a reminder 
that career and technical education programs exist in every 
congressional district. This also reminds us of how career and 
technical education can be utilized to assure a competitive and 
successful workforce.
  On behalf of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, I want to 
congratulate these outstanding young ladies for their achievements.

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