NYC's CTE Advancement: Powered by UFT Leadership

When New York City students step into state-of-the-art automotive shops with electric vehicles, cutting-edge culinary kitchens, or advanced manufacturing labs, they're experiencing the fruits of a 15-year transformation in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Behind this remarkable evolution stands the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), whose steadfast leadership has systematically reshaped how the nation's largest school system prepares students for both college and careers.

From Patchwork to Pathway: The Early Vision

This story begins in 2010. New York City's CTE landscape was a patchwork of underfunded vocational programs struggling for recognition. UFT leaders saw both a challenge and an opportunity: these programs could either remain second-tier options or become dynamic pathways to economic mobility. They chose the latter, launching a sustained advocacy campaign that would span three mayoral administrations and fundamentally reshape educational priorities.

Championing CTE: Advocacy and Resources

UFT President Michael Mulgrew has consistently championed CTE in his testimony before state legislative committees, persistently highlighting how these programs deliver exceptional results, particularly for students from underserved communities. This wasn't merely rhetorical support. The union mobilized its considerable political capital to secure concrete resources, including a landmark $40 million funding increase for CTE programs and the successful expansion of opportunities to 9th-grade students, thereby creating a more coherent four-year pathway.

No one better embodies the union's commitment to CTE than Leo Gordon, UFT Vice President for CTE High Schools. A graduate of the Success Via Apprenticeship Program himself, Gordon brought personal experience and passionate advocacy to his role. Under his leadership, the UFT helped launch a groundbreaking CTE middle school pilot program across the five boroughs, creating an earlier entry point to career exploration. Gordon worked tirelessly to secure grants for schools at risk of losing their CTE programs and coordinated citywide professional development initiatives that enhanced teaching quality across the system.

Forging Industry Connections: Real-World Relevance

The UFT's advocacy transcended traditional union concerns. They recognized that for CTE to thrive, programs needed deep industry connections. The union facilitated partnerships that brought real-world relevance into classrooms. When semiconductor manufacturer Micron announced an investment in New York, UFT leaders didn't wait for the school district to act. They helped coordinate NYC's participation in the Micron project, sending CTE educators to the company's headquarters to develop curriculum aligned with this emerging industry's needs.

A similar initiative was on display when the UFT supported the Electric Vehicle Initiative, which delivered electric vehicles to automotive programs throughout the city through a partnership with Hertz. This forward-thinking approach ensured students were preparing for tomorrow's jobs, not just learning yesterday's skills.

Securing the Foundation: Critical Funding Wins

The impact of the union on CTE funding has been particularly consequential. UFT leaders advocated increasing the Special Services Aid from $3,900 to $4,100 and extending this funding to include 9th-grade students. Simultaneously, for over two decades, the BOCES salary cap remained frozen at $30,000, severely limiting resources. However, NYSUT and UFT leaders made raising this cap a legislative priority, ultimately securing an increase to $60,000 in the 2025-26 budget. These seemingly technical policy changes translated directly into real-world resources, expanding CTE program offerings and improving educational quality.

Empowering Educators: Professional Development and Pathways

Professional development for CTE educators has been another area of distinctive UFT contribution. Recognizing that teaching technical skills requires continuous updating, the union worked closely with the NYC CTE Council to develop teacher externships, placing educators directly in industry settings during summers and breaks. These immersive experiences allow teachers to bring current practices back to their classrooms. The UFT has also advocated for dedicated time and resources for teachers to complete industry certification hours, thereby maintaining credentials that lend credibility to their instruction.

The pathway into CTE teaching has also been expanded through collaboration between the UFT, New York State United Teachers, education partners, and the New York State Education Department. Together, they developed and expanded CTE certification options, creating more flexible entry points for industry professionals to transition into teaching. This expansion addressed a critical teacher shortage while bringing authentic workplace knowledge into CTE classrooms.

Proof in the Numbers: Measurable Success

The results speak for themselves. The CTE system has expanded dramatically to encompass nearly 300 programs across 130 high schools, serving over 65,000 students. By 2024, CTE students in New York City achieved a 91% graduation rate, compared to 83% for non-CTE students. The impact has been particularly significant for Black students, with a five-percentage-point higher graduation rate, and Hispanic students, with a 12-percentage-point higher rate. By 2023, the UFT proudly noted that the graduation rate gap between Black and white students in CTE programs had narrowed. This is a remarkable achievement in a system often characterized by persistent achievement gaps.

The annual UFT CTE Awards Recognition Ceremony has become a powerful symbol of this commitment. The 2025 ceremony celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Success Via Apprenticeship program, honoring approximately 130 union members and CTE community partners. This event does more than distribute accolades; it fosters a community of practice where educators share innovations and strengthen their collective dedication.

Sustaining Progress: Vigilance and Future Focus

As economic uncertainty looms and budget pressures intensify, proven UFT leadership in CTE becomes even more critical. When resources grow scarce, programs serving many vulnerable students often face disproportionate cuts. The UFT's institutional memory and political effectiveness provide a bulwark against such shortsighted decisions. Their leaders understand the complex funding mechanisms that sustain these programs and have demonstrated the ability to protect and expand resources even in challenging fiscal environments.

The union's November 2024 resolution, calling for equitable funding and resource allocation for CTE programs, demonstrated its ongoing vigilance. They specifically identified concerning trends, including reduced funding for teacher recruitment and funding discrepancies between schools with CTE programs and those with CTE-specific programs and certified teachers. This attention to policy details prevents the quiet erosion of support that can occur during administrative transitions.

Looking forward, the economic landscape makes CTE more relevant than ever. As automation transforms industries and creates new occupational categories, students need educational pathways that combine rigorous academics with technical skills and workplace experiences. UFT’s collaborative approach with industry partners positions them to continue expanding and improving CTE programs to meet the emerging needs of the workforce.

Indeed, while the gains in New York City's CTE are undeniable and a testament to dedicated effort, there is still more to accomplish. The landscape of work continues to shift, with new industries emerging, ensuring that every student has equitable access to cutting-edge programs requires ongoing vigilance, innovation, and dedicated resources. The UFT's proven leadership, built on years of successful advocacy, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of educators' and students' needs, confirms they are not only willing but exceptionally able to continue spearheading this vital work, championing the future of CTE for all students.

An Indispensable Partner in Student Success

The transformation of Career and Technical Education in New York City over the past 15 years represents one of the most significant, yet often underappreciated, educational accomplishments in recent history. From advocating for increased funding to fostering industry partnerships, from supporting teacher development to promoting equity, UFT leadership has consistently driven this positive change. Their work has created multiple pathways to success for tens of thousands of students, particularly those underserved by traditional educational models. As economic and funding challenges loom, this proven UFT leadership remains indispensable to sustaining and expanding CTE opportunities for all New York City students.