Dr. Torres Wins Latino de Oro Award

HARTFORD — The superintendent of the Connecticut Technical High School system has been recognized for her nearly 25-year career in education.

Nivea L. Torres was presented with the Education Award at the 10th annual Latino de Oro Awards, recognizing Latino and non-Latino individuals who have worked to improve the Hispanic community in Connecticut. Organizers said nominees were nominated in categories including Politics, Education, Arts & Culture, Music, Sports and Community Service. Those with the most online votes were honored with awards at the Hartford ceremony on Sept. 10.

“I am humbled and honored to be given this prestigious award, and I’m proud to represent all of the members of our CTHSS family,” said Torres. “This award represents the 165 communities we serve statewide, so it belongs not only to me but to the teachers and administrators who have an impact in our students’ lives every day.”

Torres has worked with students at all grade levels in Puerto Rico and Connecticut for over 23 years. She has served as superintendent of the CTHSS since 2013.

The school system comprises 17 diploma-granting institutions including New Britain’s E.C. Goodwin Technical School, one technical education center and two aviation maintenance programs.

Since her appointment, Torres has been credited in part with the implementation of a three-year strategic plan, “Tomorrow’s Framework.” The comprehensive plan focuses on building partnerships with state businesses and industry, providing a continuum of educational services by aligning with K-12, post-secondary and adult programs, creating innovative, flexible and responsive programs and investing in professional development. With these initiatives, Torres aims to position the CTHSS as a national leading force in career and technical education that fills state workforce needs with highly skilled workers.

Under Torres’ leadership, the CTHSS has received honors for its innovative programs and built partnerships across the state. At the end of the 2015-16 school year, the system had a graduation rate of 97.4 percent, a full 10 percent higher than state average. In addition, the CTHSS had over 670 students placed with professionals in the Work-Based Learning program and in recognition of its E-House construction program, it was awarded a 2016 GreenCircle Sustainability Award by CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and the Hartford Business Journal.

The CTHSS has also built partnerships with state businesses such as Electric Boat and Pratt & Whitney to position itself as a resource to fill anticipated manufacturing workforce needs.

The system currently has approximately 1,500 students enrolled in manufacturing programs, which is one of the highest enrollment numbers among manufacturing programs in the state.

The system serves approximately 11,200 full-time high school and adult day students, with comprehensive education and training in 31 occupational areas, and 2,000 apprenticeship students. CTHSS is the largest high school system in Connecticut, serving all geographic regions, demographics and populations.