As a stakeholder in the success of students across the great state of New York I/We, the undersigned, believe the shortage of skilled job applicants in technical and manufacturing applications is becoming a burden to New York business owners and holding back students from dreaming, believing and pursuing.

I/We therefore support the development of a high school diploma in technical education in New York State, because it offers great potential to advance economic development and student development.

I/We support Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi’s 21st Century Education Initiative and his larger statewide effort to provide the training, curriculum, and guidance necessary for students to be able to pursue a technical or manufacturing career.

I/We respectfully urge a dialogue on this subject to continue with educators, students, business owners and labor union representatives. I/We believe courses and programs in technical and skilled trades should be offered to New York’s public school students, preparing them for this century and the centuries beyond.