CTE Caucus Hosts Briefing on Increasing Equity in Career & Technical Education

Nov 22, 2019
Press Release

Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus co-chairs Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) hosted a panel briefing entitled “Increasing Access and Equity in Career & Technical Education.”

The panel featured:

  • David Abromowitz, Chief Public Policy Officer, YouthBuild USA
  • Brianna McCain, Policy Associate, Advance CTE
  • Nina Salomon, Deputy Program Director, Corrections & Reentry, Council of State Governments
  • Spencer Sherman, Director, Office of College and Career Readiness, Rhode Island Department of Education
  • John LeTourneau, Director of Manufacturing, Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce

Career and technical education (CTE) programs provide students with pathways to high-skill, high-paying careers in in-demand industries, including healthcare, IT, transportation, and advanced manufacturing. CTE programs are rigorous and competitive, with participants more likely to graduate high school and enroll in postsecondary education. Therefore, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality programs must be a priority for policymakers.

Unfortunately, equity gaps in CTE exist for many special populations, including low-income learners, students with disabilities, and nontraditional students. The panel discussed this important topic, highlighting challenges to increasing equity in CTE, ongoing efforts to tackle the problem, how last year’s reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) will help close equity gaps, and recommendations for Congress moving forward.