Thompson, Bonamici Recognize February as Career and Technical Education Month

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), co-chairs of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, today introduced a resolution with dozens of their colleagues to recognize February as National CTE Month.  

CTE prepares students for careers in fields such as health care, agriculture, information technology, manufacturing, skilled trades, and many more. There are more than 9 million job openings nationally, and many are within industries with noted skilled labor shortages. For example, many projections show that 17 million workers will be needed to support investments in the nation’s infrastructure in the next decade.

“For too long Career and Technical Education (CTE) has been viewed as an alternative to rigorous academics, when in reality these programs allow learners of all ages to attain specific, often high-tech skills, that help them land good-paying, in-demand jobs,” Rep. Thompson said. “With nine CTE centers in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution that recognizes the contributions CTE programs make to the economy, along with the important work being done by CTE professionals and teachers across the country.”
 
“Career and technical education gives students hands-on learning and more opportunities to find a path to success,” Rep. Bonamici said. “I’m grateful to introduce this bipartisan resolution with my Career and Technical Education Caucus co-chair Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson to recognize the value of CTE. Investing in CTE programs will help more students succeed in school and provide them with knowledge and skills to enter growing industries like manufacturing, infrastructure, clean energy, and more.”
 
More than 12 million students are enrolled in CTE programs at high schools, career academies, CTE centers, and two-year colleges across the country. Participation in CTE programs has been linked to better attendance and higher high school graduation rates. The resolution recognizes the importance of CTE and encourages educators, counselors, career development professionals, and parents to promote CTE as an option for students.
 
“I am both appreciative and excited to celebrate another CTE Month in partnership with Members of Congress who are not only aware of the powerful, long-term outcomes of high-quality CTE but passionate about the steps and processes taken to achieve them. The 2024 CTE Month resolution acknowledges the significance of CTE in our schools, our workplaces, and our economy,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Curry. “It thoughtfully addresses the much-needed collaboration between the classroom and the workforce – creating pathways to strong and fulfilling careers. ACTE is deeply grateful to Reps. Thompson and Bonamici for their efforts to amplify and support CTE initiatives through the Congressional CTE Caucus.”
 
“CTE provides a path for every employer to have a diverse, skilled talent pipeline, and for every learner to identify, pursue and succeed in a career path they are passionate about. CTE is constantly innovating to respond to new and emerging changes in the economy to ensure learners have the skills and credentials they need for success in careers and in life," said Advance CTE Executive Director Kate Kreamer. “We are pleased to support the 2024 Career Technical Education Month resolution as a celebration of CTE's contributions to our learners and communities, and applaud the leadership of the House CTE Caucus, led by Representatives Thompson and Bonamici, to highlight CTE’s central role in advancing economic opportunity for every learner across the nation." 
 

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