On Thursday, the School District of Philadelphia joined the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Navy and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon to celebrate graduates of the second annual Pennsylvania Talent Pipeline Project during a signing ceremony.
“The School District of Philadelphia is proud to continue this impactful partnership with the U.S. Navy, one that is increasing opportunities for students here in Philadelphia by connecting K-12 education, postsecondary education and workforce programs,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. “Congratulations to our students who have made the decision to join the skilled workforce. We wish them much success, stability and reward in this exciting and robust new career.”
At this event, 36 employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania that are part of the critical maritime supply chains announced their formal commitment to hire and retain over 200 individuals into mission-critical careers.
Nine of those graduates are students from Benjamin Franklin, A. Philip Randolph Technical and Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocational/Technical high schools. Students and their decisions include:
- Wilneliz Rivera, Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocational/Technical School, L3 Harris
- Angelo Fernandez, Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocational/Technical School, Holtec
- Spirit Ingram, Benjamin Franklin High School, Holtec
- Luis Molina, Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocational/Technical School, Rhoads Industries
- Reggie Stevens, A. Philip Randolph Technical High School, Rhoads Industries
- Noah Martin, A. Philip Randolph Technical High School, Rhoads Industries
- Jascir Johnson, Benjamin Franklin High School, Rhoads Industries
- Jordy Navas Garcia, Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocational/Technical School, The Naval Sea Systems Command
- Kyseem Taylor, Benjamin Franklin High School, The Naval Foundry and Propeller Center
In May 2021, the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and the Navy launched this new statewide workforce development program to create a local talent pipeline that prepares local talent for employment at the Navy Yard through training, coaching, access to resources and advocacy. These pipelines will address critical trade skill gaps required across the maritime and defense ecosystems, including the Navy, Coast Guard, and Maritime Administration (MARAD).
During the event, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., and Benjamin Franklin High School Machining Teacher Ron Sizer delivered remarks.
The School District of Philadelphia is the largest public school district and was the first one involved in this initiative, which launched in Philadelphia. This partnership works with the District’s CTE programs, specifically focusing on students within carpentry, electrical and power transmission installation, precision machine tool technology, construction technology, facility maintenance and welding technology programs.