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Student leader urges support for career and technical education, cites statewide participation data
Summary
Parker Keyes, Northern Kentucky state vice president for Kentucky FFA, told the Senate education committee that more than 143,000 Kentucky secondary students are enrolled in career and technical education and described work-based learning outcomes and CTSO participation.
Parker Keyes, Northern Kentucky state vice president for Kentucky FFA, told the Senate Standing Committee on Education that over 143,004 Kentucky secondary students are enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) courses and that the programs prepare students for careers through classroom instruction and hands-on labs and simulators.
Keyes said work-based learning gives students real-life experience. "Last year, over 2,100 CTE students completed approved co-op or internship programs, while nearly 300 students completed registered apprenticeship programs through Kentucky's track apprenticeship program," he said. He also told the committee that more than 13,500 CTE students earned approved dual credit and 13,548 students earned valid industry certifications.
Why it matters: CTE programs connect classroom learning to local labor markets and postsecondary pathways. Keyes told senators that CTE helps students move directly into the workforce or military, pursue certificates, or continue to two- or four-year degrees, and that student organizations provide leadership and community-service opportunities.
Keyes described student organizations that support CTE: DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, Educators Rising, HOSA, TSA and SkillsUSA. "Together, these organizations have over 77,400 members in all 120 counties," he said, and he credited CTE supplemental funds in recent state budgets with updating lab equipment, funding professional development, paying for industry-led field trips and increasing student participation above the local level.
Several senators praised the testimony and invited ongoing engagement. Senator Reid called CTE "where the rubber meets the road" for education and encouraged Keyes and his organization to contact his office about legislative ideas. Senator Higdon and Senator Wise also commended Keyes for his presentation.
Keyes closed by thanking the committee for its support of CTE and student organizations and said he looked forward to working with lawmakers.
The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken on the floor.
