(SILVER SPRING, MD – April 1, 2021) Today, Advance CTE launched an online portal as part of Advancing The Framework: A state-led crowdsourcing initiative focused on modernizing The National Career Clusters FrameworkⓇ. The portal will collect ideas to inform the transformation and modernization of The Framework. 

 

The National Career Clusters Framework (The Framework) was established in 2002 through a collaborative between the federal government and states, and is being utilized in some form by every state. Since that time, Advance CTE, on behalf of the states, has been its steward. While the Framework has been revised several times reflecting innovations in industry, this is the first time a transformation of the design of The Framework has been contemplated. 

 

“The events of the last year have shined a light on the inequities that exist in our nation and demand the re-evaluation of systems to do a better job of supporting every learner as they navigate to and through the workforce,” said Kimberly Green, Executive Director of Advance CTE. “Now is a perfect time to boldly reimagine The National Career Clusters Framework and how it supports learners as they become aware of and prepare for careers available today and in the future.”   

 

CTE is critical to preparing the next generation of the workforce, supporting those who are dislocated due to economic downturn or industry transformation – through things including artificial intelligence and technology efficiencies – and closing persistent skills gaps. Ensuring that CTE programs reflect the current and future world of work is paramount. The stakes are high and this effort to transform The Framework must meet a high bar to be successful: learner-centered, aligned to industry, centered on equity and access, relevant to secondary and postsecondary CTE, nimble, adaptable and adaptive, forward-focused, and anchored in research and data. 

 

Generously funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the crowdsourcing portal, open April 1 – May 14, is structured to gather input through a set of idea challenges that ask users to consider and think creatively about several different aspects of career exploration, preparation, organization, development and research. Learn more about this Initiative here. 

 

Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice to advance high-quality CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career success for each learner.

 

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Media Contact:

Katie Fitzgerald, kfitzgerald@careertech.org 

Director, Communications and Membership