The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act is due for reauthorization by Congress. Perkins provides much needed support for career and technical education (CTE) programs at the state and local levels. These programs are critical for preparing youth and adults for a variety of careers and are essential in strengthening the country’s workforce. Funding for these programs provides one of the largest sources of federal funding for high schools and is an important resource of community colleges nationwide.
NEA strongly supports high-quality career and technical education opportunities for all students, especially underserved students; and supports improved professional development and a greater voice in decision-making for CTE educators. The House of Representatives passed the NEA-supported, bi-partisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353) which reauthorizes Perkins and the bill is currently awaiting Senate action.
