Senator Ayotte tours MST in support of career and technical education

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte visited students, teachers and administrators at the Manchester School of Technology (MST) and discussed her work to boost support for career and technical education (CTE), as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs. Ayotte helped introduce legislation and supported efforts to strengthen CTE and STEM programs, provisions of which were included in the bipartisan education reform bill that was recently signed into law.

 

“I appreciated the opportunity to visit the Manchester School of Technology and enjoyed meeting and interacting with the students there, who displayed great enthusiasm for their school and excitement about their future careers,” said Senator Ayotte. "I was also glad to have the opportunity to learn more about the school’s CTE programs as well as its partnerships with local businesses to help prepare students for good-paying jobs right here in New Hampshire."

"Our students graduate from the Manchester School of Technology career – and college – ready,” said Manchester School of Technology principal Karen Machado. “They are guided through a rigorous educational path that leads to field experience, job-shadowing, internships, and early college credit as they are deemed proficient to move into these settings by their teachers and administrators."

"Educators recognize that supporting competency-based learning opportunities like the ones available in Manchester is one more way we can prepare students to be bright, confident leaders,” said superintendent Dr. Debra Livingston.

Senator Ayotte has worked diligently on several pieces of legislation aimed at boosting participation in the CTE and STEM fields and preparing students for high-demand careers. This year, Ayotte cosponsored two pieces of legislation introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), the Middle School STEP Act and the Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students Act, which seek to encourage and better facilitate student participation in CTE and short-term skills programs. 

In addition, Ayotte helped to include a bipartisan amendment in the education reform bill that requires CTE to be listed as a subject considered critical to a well-rounded education. She also included an amendment with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to boost participation in STEM education by underrepresented groups.  Ayotte also worked with Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to include provisions in the education reform bill that will allow more states to design and utilize innovative means of assessments such as competency-based education.

During today's tour, Senator Ayotte stopped by the manufacturing technology, design communication, early childhood education, cosmetology and video production programs.