OLYMPIA — Recognized for his strong leadership the past two legislative sessions for bringing vocational education back to schools, Representative Matt Manweller (R-Ellensburg) is the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Legislator of the Year.

“Representative Manweller has lead a bipartisan effort to provide technical programs through our K-12 system in order to prepare students for career and continued training in high demand industry opportunities statewide,” said Jene Jones a lobbyist for the ACTE. “In addition to increased funding to enable school districts to offer career technical education in their junior high and high schools, he lead policy which establishes this funding as a categorical part of K-12 basic education. The state investment is further protected by Representative Manweller’s requirements that the funds only be used for CTE programs.”

Since Manweller joined the Legislature, he has worked to change the culture of higher education.

“As an educator I am fully aware not everyone needs a four-year degree to be successful. Providing career and technical education opportunities for students gives us a chance to show them there are multiple pathways to obtaining a family-sustaining job or career,” Manweller said. “I am honored to receive this award. It means we are heading in the right direction and we have achieved some of our CTE goals. I plan on continuing to focus on career and technical education to provide students more flexibility so they can improve their employability and occupational skills.”

“It is so valuable for CTE to have a legislator who understands the need, and advocates on behalf of students who seek to gain the skills required to access high wage, high demand career opportunities in our state,” added Tim Knue, executive director of the ACTE.

Manweller is a political science professor at Central Washington University. He has also taught high school math and economics, and is a co-founder of the Silver Creek Alternative High School in Idaho.