United States congressman Lloyd Smucker, State Reps. John Lawrence and Harry Lewis Jr., local officials, and business owners recently went back to school to learn more about career and technical education at Technical College High School (TCHS) Pennock’s Bridge Campus.

The visit was part of a larger tour for politicians and business owners to better assess ways to help continue economic growth in Chester County.

The group gathered at TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus in West Grove to learn more about how career and technical education in Chester County is a uniquely collaborative effort between local school districts, the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), Delaware County Community College, and industry partners.

For the legislators in attendance, the meeting served as a way to better assess what needs career and technical education have from a policy perspective.

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“As some of you may know, I was an original co-sponsor of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act,” said Smucker. “This act will help to grow and strengthen programs such as TCHS to continue to provide opportunities to our students that support industries vital to our economic growth.”

On May 17, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce passed the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, advancing the bill one step closer to becoming law.

Dr. Kirk Williard – director of CCIU’s Career, Technical & Customized Education division – offered the attendees a brief overview of the mission of the CCIU and how the three TCHS campuses help to support that mission.

“We have around 77 percent of our students report that they are pursuing post-secondary education upon graduating from our programs,” said Williard. “Our students leave here with the knowledge they need to pursue a career and the access to higher education to help them make the most of those careers.

“What is unique about our model here in Chester County is that we have strong support from both college and industry partners in the county.”