States face transformational disruptions in education and work that have further widened skill and equity gaps. Area technical centers (ATCs) are under-utilized public educational institutions that are powerful tools in expanding equitable pathways for learners to gain postsecondary credentials that lead to meaningful careers while helping states meet their statewide attainment goals.
Advance CTE embarked on a 50-state journey, exploring ATCs across the country and their role in the CTE delivery system. This national study establishes a first-of-its kind baseline of information about these vital public institutions, seeking to raise awareness among learners, the public, and policymakers about ATCs, their current position within state and postsecondary and workforce development systems, and how they can be better leveraged to advance postsecondary attainment and credentials of value, as well as learner access and equity.
Specifically, assets supporting this work include:
- A microsite that allows users to explore where ATCs are located throughout the country,
- A 50-state report that explains more about ATCs, where they exist, who they serve, how states leverage these institutions to support postsecondary credential and skill attainment, and what limitations exist to expanding access to ATCs; and
- Five state policy profiles highlighting ways Delaware, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah leverage ATCs to serve postsecondary learners.
