Adams Statement on the Passage of the Bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act
Washington, D.C.—Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) released the following statement after the House passed Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
"I've met with business and education leaders from across the 12th District and the consensus is clear: we must close the skills gap and prepare our workforce for the jobs of the future," said Congresswoman Adams. "I'm proud to support the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act because it ensures that all students, regardless of their background, receive quality job training and the opportunity to earn well-paying jobs without having to complete a four year degree. Today's strong bipartisan vote was the first step to closing the opportunity gap in our communities and reauthorizing this vital legislation."
Since 1984, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act has provided federal support to state and local career and technical education (CTE) programs. These programs offer students the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to compete for jobs in a broad range of fields.
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act builds on recent reforms to K-12 education and the workforce development system. The bipartisan legislation will improve current CTE policies to help more Americans gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workforce. Specifically, the legislation will:
- Provide states more flexibility in the use of federal resources in response to changes in education and the economy.
- Ensure that career and technical education prepares all students, including historically disadvantaged and vulnerable students, for success in high-skill, high-wage occupations and careers in nontraditional fields.
- Improve alignment with in-demand jobs by supporting innovative learning opportunities, building better community partnerships, and encouraging stronger engagement with employers.
- Enhance career and technical education through increased focus on employability skills, work-based learning opportunities, and meaningful credentialing, so students are prepared to enter the workforce poised for success.
- Streamline performance measures to ensure that career and technical education programs deliver results for students and taxpayers.
- Reduce administrative burdens and simplify the process for states to apply for federal resources.
- Reward success and innovation in CTE program practices that have been proven to best serve students and employers.
- Provide parents, students, and stakeholders a voice in setting performance goals and evaluating the effectiveness of state and local CTE programs.
- Empower state and local leaders to develop plans that improve the quality of career and technical education and take into account unique local and state needs.
To read a fact sheet on the bill, click here.
To read the bill, click here.