Kentucky FFA student highlights reach of career and technical education

Paige Cash, Kentucky River State Vice President for Kentucky FFA, told the Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development that career and technical education reaches a large share of the commonwealth’s secondary students.

Cash said she spoke "on behalf of 143,400 students who are enrolled in career and technical education or CTE courses at the secondary level in our state." She described CTE coursework as including business, information technology, manufacturing, food processing, health care, childcare, tourism, education, law and public safety, construction and logistics, and said coursework combines classroom instruction with "hands on experiences through laboratories and simulators."

The presentation emphasized work‑based learning and industry ties: Cash told lawmakers that last year "over 2,100 CTE students completed approved coop or internship programs, while nearly 300 completed registered apprenticeship programs through Kentucky's cutting edge track apprentice program." She also said more than 13,500 CTE students earned approved dual credit and that students earn industry certifications through CTE opportunities.

Cash, a member of Kentucky FFA who is studying to be an agriculture educator, thanked lawmakers for recent funding through CTE supplemental funds and said those appropriations have supported updated lab equipment, professional development for teachers, and student travel to statewide and national competitions. Chair Lewis and committee members thanked Cash for the presentation at the close of her remarks.

Cash asked if the committee had questions; none were raised during the presentation.

The testimony provides a speaker perspective on program participation and outcomes; the committee did not take formal action tied to the presentation during the meeting.