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WASHINGTON, DC -- Today Congressman David Wu successfully amended the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act (H.R. 366), federal legislation that provides funding for occupational preparation and technical education programs at the secondary and post-secondary education levels.
Congressman Wu’s amendment takes the intent of the law one step further by allowing states the flexibility to use federal funds to facilitate the transition of vocational and technical students into baccalaureate degree programs. Specifically, states could use funds to establish statewide articulation agreements between career and technical schools and four-year institutions, dual enrollment programs, and academic and financial aid counseling.
“By the year 2010, 80 percent of all jobs in this country will require secondary and post-secondary education and training as a prerequisite for a job that supports a middle-class lifestyle,” said Congressman Wu. “More than ever, we need rigorous, relevant career and technical education programs to help students prepare for post-secondary education and to address the shortage of highly skilled workers necessary to meet the demands of the global economy.”
H.R. 366, also known as the Perkins Act, represents the primary and largest federal investment for secondary education programs. Prior to 1998, the program largely focused on career preparation, but has since placed greater emphasis on the integration of academics into vocational education programs. Last year, a larger percentage of Oregon high school students who participated in vocational and technical programs performed better on assessment exams in all categories.
Congressman Wu's success today exemplifies his continued efforts to make post-secondary education more accessible. Congressman Wu also passed legislation this year to encourage community colleges to partner with four-year institutions. The Community College Partnership Act aids in the development of policies to expand opportunities for community college students to earn baccalaureate degrees by promoting the transfer of credits or expanding articulation agreements with four-year institutions.
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