By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Public School System and the Northern Marianas Technical Institute on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a dual enrollment and workforce pipeline program for high school students.
Under the MOU, the PSS–NMTech partnership aims to enroll students in the following programs:
• 20–30 students in Grades 10–12: Hospitality certification courses
• 12 students in Grades 9–12: Construction
• 12 students in Grades 9–12: Electric vehicles
• 20–30 students in Grades 11–12: Google Career Certificates, with emphasis on AI Essentials and Project Management
The initiative aims to provide PSS middle and high school students with early access to postsecondary technical education and build a skilled workforce pipeline aligned with CNMI industry needs. It also seeks to increase student attainment of industry-recognized credentials, create clear pathways into NMTech programs, inform secondary students of NMTech course options, and ensure a seamless transition into hands-on NMTech training.
NMTech Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao said the signing of the MOU is more than a formal agreement.
“It represents a unified effort to provide students with early access to career pathways, industry-recognized credentials, and a seamless transition from education to employment.”
Through the collaboration, Attao added, “We are positioning our students not only for success but for meaningful contributions to the CNMI’s future.”
“This coordinated effort is critical as we work together to elevate awareness, align messaging, and activate our schools and communities around this initiative. As outlined in our strategy, this campaign is not simply marketing — it is a call to action to prepare our local workforce ahead of the anticipated workforce shift in 2029,” she said, referring to the federal CW program. Unless extended by the U.S. Congress, the program will expire on Dec. 31, 2029.
Attao also thanked CNMI Department of Labor Secretary Leila Staffler and her team for their ongoing support.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho said PSS and NMTech have been collaborating for some time to provide career and technical education to high school students, but Wednesday’s signing officially marks “the beginning of many initiatives that will benefit a lot of students in the Public School System as they pursue trades and career-technical education.”
Camacho also expressed gratitude to the Board of Education and PSS management team.
“The future we all envision is bright, and students will greatly benefit from this initiative,” he said.
Joining Attao and Camacho for the signing were BOE member Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, heads of PSS management divisions, and Labor’s Candy Feliciano on behalf of Secretary Staffler.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
