FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2022
Contact: Jori Houck – jhouck@acteonline.org
Congressional CTE Caucus Co-Chairs Lead Resolutions Celebrating CTE Month
Washington, DC—Today, Congressional CTE Caucus co-chairs Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), along with Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Todd Young (R-IN), introduced resolutions to celebrate February 2022 as CTE Month in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the U.S. Senate. The resolutions highlight the impact of career and technical education (CTE) programs on learners at all levels, as well as the role of CTE in supporting industries seeking to fill positions in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage jobs and career fields.
Over 11,000,000 students are enrolled in CTE programs across the country at the secondary and postsecondary levels, with CTE programs in thousands of CTE centers, comprehensive high schools, career academies, CTE high schools and nearly 1,000 2-year colleges.
In an economy undergoing rapid changes, CTE at the secondary and postsecondary levels keeps pace with the needs of key industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, STEM and many other career fields that are vital in keeping the United States competitive in the global economy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment trends have shown that upskilling and reskilling needs have greatly increased – it is estimated that at least 15,000,000 new workers will be needed to support U.S. infrastructure in the next decade. CTE programs prepare students for careers in in-demand fields and provide an affordable pathway to both a good-paying career and financial independence.
“I am thrilled to celebrate another CTE Month with my colleagues in the CTE Caucus,” said Rep. Jim Langevin. “With employers across the country struggling to fill open positions, it is more important than ever to support CTE programs that prepare students with the necessary skills and certifications to meet the growing demand for high-skilled talent. A bachelor’s degree is not the only path to a meaningful, stable, high-paying career, and I’m proud of the work that we do to expand job training, apprenticeships, and CTE programs to Americans everywhere, of all ages.”
“Career and technical education (CTE) provides learners of all ages with career-ready skills that promote America’s continued economic growth,” Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson said. “CTE month recognizes the power of a skills-based education, which restores rungs on the ladder of opportunity for many individuals and gives them the tools they need to succeed. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Rep. Langevin and will continue to work hard to close our nation’s skills gap.”
“I’m proud to introduce this resolution recognizing the importance of career and technical education with my CTE Caucus co-chairs,” said Senator Kaine. “I remain committed to investing in career and technical training programs to equip all students with the skills needed for successful careers.”
“Supporting workforce training opportunities for Hoosiers is vital to our state’s economic prosperity and future,” said Senator Young. “Indiana’s workforce needs the right skills and training for the jobs of tomorrow. By investing in our people, we help provide a pathway to a meaningful career and a chance to live the American Dream.”
“I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to highlight the importance of career and technical education. The only way we can meet workforce readiness challenges effectively is if we have strong public-private partnerships that are supported by a Congress working across party lines. We are showing that commitment with this Senate Resolution,” said Senator Baldwin. “We know that CTE is one of the most effective vehicles for responding to labor market changes and the workforce readiness needs of businesses. Now, we need to do more to support CTE students so that they are better equipped for the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow.”
“Advance CTE celebrates, alongside bipartisan Congressional leadership, the educators and leaders who are committed to ensuring every learner has access to and feels welcome in CTE programs that prepare them for opportunities in today’s complex labor market,” stated Kimberly Green, Executive Director of Advance CTE. “Our nation’s economic competitiveness and infrastructure rely on a diverse and robust talent pool and pipeline. CTE provides flexible, responsive pathways for millions of today’s learners to become tomorrow’s front-line workers.”
“ACTE applauds the leadership of Representatives Langevin and Thompson, and their colleagues in the Senate – Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Todd Young (R-IN) – in raising awareness about the many benefits associated with high-quality CTE programs,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “As workers look to obtain the skills they need to enter in-demand career fields, these resolutions act as a critical reminder of the role CTE can play in strengthening our nation’s economy and providing a pathway to a family-sustaining career.”
ACTE and Advance CTE will host a virtual student panel on Tuesday, February 15 from 11:30am – 12:30pm ET to highlight the value of CTE and hear directly from student representatives of career and technical education student organizations (CTSOs) about the impact CTE has made on their personal and professional goals, career paths and interests. CTE Caucus co-chairs Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) will be offering remarks. You can register to attend HERE.
The resolutions are available at the links below:
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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.
