Governor Ige Recognizes CTE Education at Leeward

In Recognition of National CTE Month

(l to r) P Leddy, B Labby, M Cabral, Gov. Ige, C Ganne, R Umehira

Governor David Ige honored Leeward Community College’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs with a proclamation in recognition of “their outstanding contribution to our state.” The Governor’s proclamation was kick-off to a month long celebration of National CTE Month at Leeward.

Representing Leeward at the ceremony were Patrick Leddy, Workforce Development Coordinator; Bill Labby, Non-Credit Program Coordinator; Christian Ganne, Digital Media Coordinator; Ron Umehira, CTE Dean and Manny Cabral, Chancellor.

This is the third year Leeward has mounted a variety of activities to increase awareness of the many program and career options available.  Details on all the offered activities are online, http://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/cte-month/

Among the special activities scheduled are the following:

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program from 9:00am – 1:00pm on Saturdays, and from 1:30pm – 5:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March
• Geek Day from 10am-3pm on February 28, offering free workshops on technology and digital life
• A variety of Career and Program Information Sessions throughout February

“The activities planned in February illustrate the rigor and relevance Career & Technical education courses offer our students,” said Ron Umehira, Dean of Career and Technical Education. “By partnering with the business community, CTE programs are investing in students’ lives with the latest technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees as well as future leaders.”

CTE is a major part of the solution to myriad national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one-third of the fastest growing occupations will require an associate’s degree or a postsecondary vocational certificate. At a time when job opportunity is so critical, CTE programs in every community are ensuring students are adequately equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce. 

For more information about CTE Programs at Leeward Community College, go to www.leeward.hawaii.edu/cte-programs.

Leeward offers:

Credit Programs

• Accounting
• Automotive Tech
• Business Technology
• Computer Science
• Culinary Arts
• Digital Media
• Health Information Tech
• Management
• Plant Biology
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Teaching/Education
• Television Production

Non-Credit Programs

• Process Technology
• Business & Computer Skills
• Sustainability
• Transportation
• Healthcare
• Hospitality & Food

For more information, visit: http://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/cte-month