Education
Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act
On June 22, 2017, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This legislation will help more Americans enter the workforce with the skills necessary to compete for good-paying, in-demand jobs.
Rep. Smucker said:
"I have my own experience with non-traditional education. I took college courses at night while operating a small construction company during the day. Countless students across Pennsylvania and the nation have similar experiences, and we should make it easier for them to compete in today’s 21st century economy. My district is home to multiple CTE schools, and I’ve heard directly that they want to expand their programs to students who are ready to learn and eager to work. This legislation will help businesses and schools collaborate to ensure students gain the necessary skills to get in-demand, family-sustaining jobs. I am proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this legislation, and want to thank Reps. Thompson and Krishnamoorthi for carrying this across the finish line."
This bill:
- Empowers state and local community leaders by simplifying the application process for receiving federal funds and providing more flexibility to use federal resources to respond to changing education and economic needs.
- Improves alignment with in-demand jobs by supporting innovative learning opportunities, building better community partnerships, and encouraging stronger engagement with employers.
- Increases transparency and accountability by streamlining performance measures to ensure CTE programs deliver results, empowering parents, students, and stakeholders with a voice in setting performance goals and evaluating the effectiveness of local programs.
- Ensures a limited federal role by reining in the secretary of education's authority, limiting federal intervention, and preventing political favoritism.
Resources:
Rep. Smucker visited Reading Area Community College in March. You can read about that visit here and view pictures here. After the bill passed the House, Rep. Smucker participated in a press conference with a bipartisan group of his colleagues. You can watch a video from that event here.
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Click the image to watch the video.
WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to strengthen and improve career and technical education and give Americans the skills they need to compete for in-demand jobs.
With high school graduation season approaching, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce last week passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act with unanimous support from Democrats and Republicans. The legislation, of which Republican Rep. Lloyd Smucker is an original co-sponsor, aims to help young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to compete for good-paying jobs.