Our organizations are committed to empowering learners to seamlessly navigate and pursue career pathways of their choosing. Unfortunately, the federal fiscal year 2024 (FY24) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill, introduced today in the U.S House of Representatives, falls short of this vision for our nation’s learners.
While we appreciate the legislation’s recognition of sustaining current levels of federal investment in Career Technical Education (CTE) via the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V), our organizations are extremely concerned about proposed cuts to other major education and workforce development programs elsewhere in the legislation. These proposed reductions in federal support are likely to lead to major disruptions in connecting learners, including our nation’s most vulnerable populations, to CTE programs and the wider postsecondary and career opportunities these programs lead to.
CTE does not operate in a silo. Developing a robust, diverse workforce equipped with in-demand skills that can adapt to the evolving needs of employers requires meaningful and sustained investments throughout the wider education and workforce development ecosystem.
We therefore call on the House to reverse course on this funding proposal and preserve federal appropriations for the many education and workforce development programs that provide learners critical services and on-ramps into CTE. Doing so will help more learners access these opportunities and cultivate the skills needed for success in today’s economy.
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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 state CTE leadership to advance high-quality and equitable CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career and college success without limits for each learner.
About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) 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, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals 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.
Media contacts:
Stacy Whitehouse (Advance CTE) – swhitehouse@careertech.org
Jori Houck (ACTE) – jhouck@acteonline.org
