The Utica City School District’s Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Spence, testified before the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Development and Small Business. He highlighted Utica’s new Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) initiatives at Proctor High School, emphasizing their impact on workforce readiness and regional economic growth. Michelle Hall, Director of Career and Technical Education, and Director of Facilities, Planning & Development Michael Ferraro, both joined him with supporting testimony. President of Mohawk Valley Community College, Randy VanWagoner, Ph.D., also spoke first hand about the exciting ways they are engaging students, and area business partners looking for their future workforce.

Beyond a beautiful new building, Dr. Spence explained a relationship more complex: how the district is partnering with local businesses as they build a pipeline of workforce development. This not only meets the need for jobs in specific areas of growth in the region, but also offers students a promising future in an industry that is looking to recruit employees who are ready to hit the ground running.

“Graduates leave with industry credentials that qualify them for immediate employment or further study,” Dr. Spence said. “The CTE program also builds a strong foundation for higher education. It strengthens academic skills, helps students discover their interests, and gives them experiences that set them apart when they apply to college. Whether they choose to enter the workforce or pursue a two- or four-year degree, our students are prepared to succeed and contribute to their community in substantial and meaningful ways,” Dr. Spence said.

These classes are in high demand as more than 500 ninth-grade students are taking exploratory courses in the 2025–26 school year. This is a clear sign that students are eager to begin career-connected learning early. Students now study health professions, construction technologies, advanced manufacturing including robotics automation, mechatronics, fiber optics, electricity and other high-demand fields. Each program was developed with input from local businesses, colleges and workforce agencies so that classroom learning connects directly to jobs in the Mohawk Valley. With over two billion dollars in economic development flowing into the region, these programs are preparing local students to fill those roles and strengthen the community where they live.

Dr. Spence’s remarks were well-received in Albany, where he thanked the assembly for the opportunity to share the innovation happening in the UCSD. “On behalf of the Utica City School District, I want to thank you for your continued investment in Career and Technical Education across New York. Ongoing support for modern facilities, teacher development, and local partnerships will help us keep building on this progress,” Dr. Spence proclaimed.