During his first week in office, Mayor Jim Kenney made a promise to visit a Philadelphia school at least once a week during his time as mayor.

After two years, he’s already visited over 140 schools, including many of the 31 School District of Philadelphia schools that offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

In celebration of February’s CTE Month, here are a few highlights from when Mayor Kenney visited these great programs!


A. Phillip Randolph CTE offers many skills-based and vocational programs, like culinary arts and welding. When Mayor Kenney visited, the students showed off what they learn, and perfect, every day.
Culinary arts students at Randolph prepare food.

Welding student at Randolph does work

There’s a fashion design program at Murrell Dobbins CTE High School. The Mayor attended a show of creations by students there.

A fashion show of creations by students at Dobbins.

There’s an engineering program at South Philadelphia High School.

A student at South Philadelphia High School worked in an engineering program.

At Swenson Arts & Technology, many students enroll in the automotive program. When he visited, the Mayor loved it. 

Mayor Kenney watches students work in the automotive program at Swenson.

Mercy CTE also offers a wide array of programs. During the Mayor’s visit, a student showed off her special effects make-up skills.

A student at Mercy CTE shows her special effects make-up skills.

At Randolph, there are also construction and dental programs.

Students at A. Phillip Randolph CTE participated in construction program.

Students at A. Phillip Randolph CTE participated in dental program.