WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is applauding unanimous Senate passage of a bipartisan resolution recognizing February 2024 as “Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.” He advanced the effort alongside 58 colleagues, including Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.), who serve as co-chairs of the Senate CTE Caucus.
“Expanding opportunities in our education system is an investment in our next generation. I’m glad the full Senate is amplifying the many benefits of technical training. CTE programs empower students to explore their strengths and pursue high-paying careers, while bolstering American industries to meet the needs of our modern economy,” Grassley said.
“I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan resolution to recognize February as Career and Technical Education,” Kaine said. “As the son of an ironworker and during my time working at a technical school in Honduras, I’ve witnessed firsthand how CTE can provide a pathway to good-paying, meaningful jobs. This month and every month, let’s work to expand access to CTE, including by passing my JOBS Act to allow students to use Pell Grants for job training programs, and build an economy that works for everyone.”
Read the resolution HERE.
Background:
Today’s demand for skilled workers is largely driven by evolving job markets and infrastructure projects underway across the country. Nationwide, over 11 million Americans are enrolled in CTE coursework; thousands of high schools, career academies and two-year colleges offer curricula. By dedicating an entire month to CTE, this resolution encourages educators, students and communities to continue embracing these programs as pathways to good-paying jobs in emerging fields. Grassley has backed legislation expanding Pell Grants to short-term certificate programs and simplifying student aid taxation for community college students.
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