Thompson, Bonamici Introduce Bill to Strengthen Career Counseling in Middle and High Schools
WASHINGTON, D.C.– This week, Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, introduced the Counseling for Career Choice Act. This bipartisan legislation would expand K-12 career counseling services and provide more resources focused on financial literacy, registered apprenticeships, dual enrollment programs, internships, and even financing for college or other postsecondary education.
“Career counseling gives students the tools they need to make well-informed decisions about their futures,” Rep. Thompson said. “When we equip school counselors with the resources necessary, we can help close our nation’s skills gap and let students find the pathway to fulfilling careers.”
“Students can make the best decisions about their future when they understand all of the career and education opportunities available to them,” Rep. Bonamici said. “I’m pleased to introduce the Counseling for Career Choice Act with my colleague Congressman GT Thompson to invest in school counseling and provide more students with the information and advice they need to succeed and thrive.”
“Informed career advising is vital for all learners. When we equip school counselors and career development professionals with the training and resources they need, we empower them to connect students and their families with critical supports that help young people make informed decisions about their futures. These services are fundamental for high-quality CTE programs and enable students to discover, prepare for, and succeed in a variety of career pathways. ACTE is proud to once again endorse this bipartisan bill, and we are grateful to Representatives Thompson and Bonamici for their continued leadership in advancing CTE.” – LeAnn Curry, Executive Director, ACTE
“Effective career advising reflecting regional workforce trends and local economic needs is critical to connecting learners with postsecondary Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. The Counseling for Career Choice Act recognizes the importance of connecting learners with knowledgeable career advisors and other critical supports to help ensure access to and success in high-quality CTE pathways that blend academic and technical skills and lead to credentials of value. Advance CTE proudly endorses this legislation and is grateful to CTE Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Thompson and Bonamici for championing its introduction this Congress.” – Kate Kreamer, Executive Director, Advance CTE
"Every day, workforce boards help jobseekers identify career pathways that will lead to family-sustaining employment. NAWB is proud to endorse this important legislation to begin the career exploration process early, to ensure school career counselors are equipped to identify regional workforce trends, and to ensure that businesses in emerging industries have the skilled talent they need to successfully contribute to the economy." – Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards
The Counseling for Career Choice Act is also supported by the School Superintendents Association (AASA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Read the full bill text.