SILVER SPRING, MD (June 16, 2020) — Today, Advance CTE announces a multi-year initiative to advance postsecondary Career Technical Education (CTE) data quality, generously funded by the ECMC Foundation. Over the course of the initiative, Advance CTE aims to accelerate transformational efforts in a small cohort of states and identify strategies and recommendations other states can leverage to improve the quality and use of their postsecondary CTE data.
The unprecedented economic crisis brought on by COVID-19 (coronavirus) provides even more urgency for data-driven decision making in postsecondary CTE. Record-high unemployment amid statewide lockdowns has disproportionately affected workers of color, youth and individuals without a postsecondary credential. State and institutional leaders can and should leverage their data to respond to local economic needs and connect learners with the opportunities to gain the skills, experiences and credentials needed to get back on their feet.
This initiative will explore how robust, state-level postsecondary data systems can assist postsecondary institutions in offering career pathways that meet student interests and are aligned to a good career.
As part of this work, Advance CTE is offering selected states planning and implementation grants totaling $80,000, ongoing virtual and in-person technical assistance, and access to a peer support network and 50-state resources and tools. Requests for proposals are open through July 17, 2020. To learn more about the application process and apply, visit https://careertech.orginitiatives.
“Nearly ninety percent of state leaders have identified improving their CTE data system as a top priority, yet many lack the information and resources they need to make critical decisions to support learners,” said Kimberly Green, executive director, Advance CTE. “We are grateful to the ECMC Foundation for recognizing the necessity of this work to ensure that states and institutions can make data-driven decisions to help each learner access and excel in high-quality career pathways.
“The work that happens during the next two years to improve and leverage state-level postsecondary data systems will lay the critical foundation for decades to come,” says Jennifer Zeisler, senior program director of career readiness, ECMC Foundation. “We are proud to support Advance CTE’s initiative aimed at improving the quality and effective use of CTE data to ensure more learners are able to pursue and complete a postsecondary credential.”
About Advance CTE
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.
About ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based, nationally focused foundation whose mission is to inspire and to facilitate improvements that affect educational outcomes—especially among underserved populations—through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments in two focus areas: College Success and Career Readiness; and uses a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to invest in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Working with grantees, partners and peers, ECMC Foundation’s vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org.
Media Contacts:
Katie Fitzgerald, Advance CTE, [email protected]
Jennifer Clark, ECMC Foundation, [email protected]
