ATLANTA (July 24, 2013) – The Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education (GACTE) named Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R-Marietta) the 2013 Policy Maker of the Year. This award is given annually to legislators who have made a significant contribution to career, technical, and agricultural education (CTAE).
“I’m honored to be a recipient of this award,” said Sen. Tippins. “As Chairman of the Senate Education and Youth Committee, I’ll continue to make K-12 education a legislative priority as it is vital to establishing a skilled workforce that can attract new jobs and opportunities for the state.”
GACTE was founded in 1926 and currently serves more than 2,700 individual members. Association members consist of middle and high school teachers, school counselors, graduation coaches, school administrators, principals, superintendents, employees and faculty of the Technical College System of Georgia, in addition to businesses and industry partners. GACTE is the largest education association in the state advocating for advancement of education that prepares young adults for successful careers.
“When a student leaves high school with an employable skill, it ensures that we will have a well-trained workforce which in turn brings higher paying jobs and economic development to Georgia. I am honored to present this award to our friend and supporter Lindsey Tippins for his strong support of our CTAE programs as a member of the Georgia State Senate,” said Matthew Gambill, Executive Director of the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who take three or more CTAE programs in high school are more likely to attend college and graduate. Almost 80 percent of CTAE students enrolled in postsecondary education within two years of high school graduation. In addition, students in CTAE programs have a higher-than-average high school graduation rate. Research has shown the average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTAE programs is 90 percent compared to an average national freshman graduation rate of 74.9 percent. CTAE programs teach leadership, citizenship, and character development to complement technical skill training.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
July 24, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
Kate.Greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028