Thompson, Bonamici Introduce COTA Act to Expand Career Counseling for Adult Learners

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), co-chairs of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus, introduced the Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance (COTA) Act, which would expand career counseling programs and allow for public outreach. 

Specifically, the bill amends Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to bolster career guidance for adult learners. Importantly, the bill allows Title II funds to be used – for the first time – to create public outreach through Public Service Announcements, social media campaigns, job fairs, and other means to educate the public on workforce development programs. 

“I fully support programs that provide learners with career-ready skills,” Rep. Thompson said. “We must be able to tell the public about the resources available to them. This bill allows Public Service Announcements and other advertisements to inform adult learners about workforce development programs and high-quality career counseling. Increased awareness into career choices and programs will lead individuals down the pathway of success and into high-quality, family-sustaining jobs.” 

“Increasing access to skills and career opportunities is a good investment,” Rep. Bonamici said. “I’m introducing the bipartisan Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance Act with Rep. GT Thompson to raise awareness about the workforce development programs and career opportunities that are available to Oregonians and Americans throughout their lives.”

“Clear and seamless communication with learners about career opportunities is essential. This legislation gives adult education leaders the tools to better connect learners to high-quality CTE programs that lead to in-demand, high-wage careers,” saidLeAnn Curry, ACTE Executive Director. “Expanding public awareness of CTE is vital to building strong communities and meeting the workforce needs of our local economies. ACTE thanks Congressman GT Thompson and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici for their leadership in introducing this important bill, and we look forward to supporting its advancement.” 

“To support lifelong career success, learners of all ages must have access to clear and timely information about education and training pathways that lead to in-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers,” said Kate Kreamer, Advance CTE’s Executive Director. “If enacted, COTA would strengthen the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by taking important steps to improve awareness of available workforce resources and empower learners to make more informed decisions as they navigate the future. Advance CTE is pleased to support this proposed legislation and looks forward to its inclusion in future WIOA legislation.”

“Workforce development builds nations,” said John Valverde, President and CEO of YouthBuild Global. “When young adults have clear access to career counseling and credentialing programs, they’re better equipped to support their families, contribute to their communities and strengthen our country’s economic future. The Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance Act will help more individuals find the resources they need to take the next step in their careers — and in doing so, power the industries that keep America strong."

"The National Association of Workforce Boards proudly endorses this bipartisan legislation to strengthen the talent pipeline,” said Brad Turner-Little, President & CEO, National Association of Workforce Boards. “There is perhaps no greater investment the government can make than to help people develop in-demand skills and find an achievable career pathway. Workforce Boards, and the America's Job Centers they oversee, applaud the opportunity to maximize labor force participation by publicizing the vital services they provide to both jobseekers and employers."

Read the full bill text.

Background: 

WIOA, which was enacted in 2014, is the primary law governing federal workforce development programs. The law is designed to enhance our nation's public workforce system, get Americans of all ages into high-quality jobs, and help employers hire and retain skilled workers. Title II of WIOA authorizes education services to assist adults in improving basic skills like literacy, completing secondary education, and transitioning to the workforce or postsecondary education.