Pictured left to right, NJ Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools President-Elect Jack Swain, who serves as superintendent of Salem County Vocational Technical School District, presents the CTE Leadership Award on behalf of the Council to New Jersey Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer.
Trenton, N.J. – New Jersey Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer has received high praise from the state’s county vocational-technical schools, which presented him with the 2025 CTE Leadership Award. Bestowed annually to a champion of New Jersey’s career and technical education (CTE), the award is sponsored by the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools (NJCCVTS), which represents the vocational-technical school districts in all 21 counties and is governed by a committee of the districts’ superintendents.
“For those of us in vocational-technical education, we appreciate Kevin’s understanding that CTE is not just an option for some students—it is a vital, rigorous and innovative part of the educational landscape,” said NJCCVTS President-Elect Jack Swain, who serves as superintendent of Salem County Vocational Technical School District. Swain continued, “He knows that CTE prepares students for careers that drive our state’s economy, from healthcare and life sciences to transportation, logistics and the skilled trades.”
Swain noted the timing of Dehmer receiving the CTE Leadership Award is fitting as many county vocational-technical schools recently opened – or will soon open – spaces to house new and expanded career programs. Such construction projects are made possible by the 2018 Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act, which after passed by voters, required Dehmer’s careful oversight and coordination as the former assistant commissioner for finance.
“Kevin set a positive and collaborative tone for the process and welcomed the Council’s extensive input, which was informed by county vocational school leaders,” said Swain. “Even when the Covid pandemic hit right in the middle of the first grant application process, upending normal operations at the DOE and all school districts, Kevin worked with the Council to adjust the timelines while keeping the process moving forward.”
His efforts helped bring to fruition an even stronger delivery model for relevant and effective career programming in New Jersey. The NJCCVTS reports that the $275 million in state bond funding for vocational-technical school expansion will create more than 4,700 new seats for students, which will result in nearly 1,200 additional vocational school graduates a year. It supported 47 new career programs and 34 expanded programs in both high-demand and emerging fields, including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, cybersecurity, global logistics and unmanned aerial systems.
After transitioning from assistant commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to executive director of the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Dehmer continued to advocate for career and technical education to address labor needs. When Dehmer returned to the NJDOE as commissioner in 2024, he made a point to maintain his connection with the NJCCVTS and member districts. Early in his tenure, he met with superintendents to discuss his own vision for CTE and to listen to school leaders’ priorities and concerns.
“We tout the importance of partnerships, whether with institutions of higher education, businesses or policymakers, to strengthen the opportunities and education provided by our county vocational-technical schools. That is why it is a great honor for us to recognize Kevin – a true partner in career and technical education – with the 2025 CTE Leadership Award,” said NJCCVTS Executive Director Jackie Burke. “He remains connected to us as a Council and to our member districts, understanding how we can work together to further benefit students, employers and our state economy. We celebrate him as a leader who genuinely wants the best for all students and educators throughout our state.”
“I’m humbled and honored to receive the 2025 CTE Leadership Award,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “Career and technical education plays a vital role in preparing students for success in high-demand fields like AI, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Over my career I’ve emphasized strong partnerships and collaboration with our state’s technical school and have had the opportunity to lead initiatives like the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act. Through this work, we’ve expanded access to modern facilities, real-world learning experiences, and industry credentials. I couldn’t be more proud of the progress that we have made and the structure we’ve put into place that will support the continued growth of CTE in every corner of our state.”
