News
October 3, 2019Capital Region BOCES Senior, President of a State Organization, Recounts Washington DC Leadership Trip
“It was awesome. Trip of a lifetime.”
So said Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School senior Aidan Enders while recounting his recent trip to Washington DC to take part in the national SkillsUSA Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI).
Enders, president of the 12,000-member strong SkillsUSA New York State organization, is a diesel tech student at Capital Region BOCES from the Duanesburg Central School District.
“It was really productive. Met with the education aid from Congressman (Paul) Tonko’s office, met with representatives of the other state SkillsUSA organization, took part in workshops and leadership training, toured Washington – it was an amazing trip,” Enders said.
SkillsUSA is a local, state and national professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led charitable acts, leadership conferences and other activities. Students in SkillsUSA participate in hands-on competitions in various fields such as science; technology; engineering; mathematics; building construction; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Enders said he is especially proud to be a part of the organization and to tout its value to elected officials.
“A Career and Technical Education is such an important thing for students. Learning skills that they can put right to work or build a foundation of a career on is crucial and to be able so share that with people in power is great,” Enders added.
