“This week, as lawmakers returned to Congress, millions of students across the country stepped into CTE classrooms supported, at least in part, by Perkins funds. As Congress enters its home stretch, we urge lawmakers to make CTE a priority and complete their work to update and reauthorize this important legislation. In recent years, Congress was successful in passing the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Completing work on Perkins will provide states with a trio of recently updated federal education and workforce programs to support the current and emerging needs of the U.S. economy.
“Last updated in 2006 and due for reauthorization since 2013, Perkins provides funding essential to every state and Congressional district, supporting CTE programs that benefit over 11 million students every year. It is well documented that CTE programs increase students’ academic achievement, graduation rates and earning potential. In turn, CTE creates a return-on-investment critical to developing a strong talent pipeline to meet the workforce needs of the 21st century economy.
“In July, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce took a significant step forward by unanimously reporting a bill out of committee and it is important that Congress build on the existing momentum surrounding Perkins reauthorization before the end of this session. Acting now is a commitment to creating a bright and successful future for students and the American economy.”
Media Contacts:
Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE
301-588-9630; [email protected]
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
703-683-9312; [email protected]
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About ACTE:
The Association for Career and Technical Education is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, guidance counselors and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
About Advance CTE
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work 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 on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.
