Sherrill Applauds Federal Funding Coming to Essex County Vocational Technical Schools to Boost Career Development

Livingston, NJ – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of federal funding coming to Essex County Vocational Technical Schools to boost high school career development and job preparation programs:

“New Jersey is home to the best public education system in the nation and we can continue to build on that success by ensuring our students are ready to enter the workforce. I look forward to seeing how the Essex County Technical Vocational School District uses this funding to continue developing innovative programs that will improve student engagement, connect our schools with New Jersey’s world-class businesses, and build a highly skilled workforce that will power the Garden State,” said Rep. Sherrill.

“Over the last six years, we have opened three new schools – Donald Payne School of Technology, West Caldwell School of Technology and Newark Tech – that provide modern accommodations and dynamic learning environments where our students receive an educational foundation that prepares them for college or university, the workforce or whatever future path they follow. I want to thank Congresswoman Sherrill for obtaining $1.4 million in grant funding to help our district continue to adapt and meet the needs of our students.” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo.

The Essex County Vocational Technical Schools received a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) Perkins Innovation and Modernization, Career Connected High Schools (CCHS) grant program. This funding helps high schools to develop and support high-quality, career connected programs for students, including dual enrollment programs, work-based learning, and opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials. This grant is part of the DOE’s Raise the Bar: Unlocking Career Success initiative.

As a mom of four school aged children, Congresswoman Sherrill remains focused on supporting our students, expanding opportunities for career exploration, and ensuring our young people are ready to enter the workforce. She is leading legislation that would help schools implement tutoring programs to combat pandemic-related learning loss. Additionally, she is working to expand summer employment opportunities for at-risk youth.

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