U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Visits Virginia on Returning Education to the States Tour 

Winchester, VA – Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, alongside Congressman Ben Cline, visited the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center in support of the Returning Education to the States Tour. Secretary McMahon toured the center, which is a career and technical education program apart of Winchester Public Schools, to learn more about how they are Making America Skilled Again.  

During the visit, Secretary McMahon and Congressman Cline greeted students as they arrived for the new school year before touring the center for a firsthand look at the Professional Skills Academy and Health Science Academy. 

“Career and technical education gives students the skills, experience, and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “As we return education to the states, the Trump Administration is highlighting and learning from innovative programs that are preparing students for the careers of tomorrow. The Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center is a great example of what is possible when educators and communities prioritize hands-on learning and connect students directly with real-world opportunities.” 

“Career and Technical Education programs equip students with the skills, training, and hands-on experience they need to succeed in the workforce, which is why I have supported increased funding for them in the House. We must continue strengthening these pathways, so every student has the opportunity to gain the tools they need to build a successful future,” said Congressman Ben Cline.  “Thank you, Secretary McMahon, for coming to Virginia's 6th District to speak with one of our fantastic trade schools, the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center, and for promoting policies that help our students and build our workforce.” 

On her Returning Education to the States Tour, Secretary McMahon is traveling to all 50 states to hear directly from teachers, parents, students, and community leaders about what is working in their communities and compile a toolkit of best practices to share with states across the nation.  Learn more about Secretary McMahon’s Returning Education to the States Tour here.