Designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" to recognize the importance of CTE programs in preparing students for the workforce. Encourages the promotion of CTE as a valuable educational pathway.
Timothy "Tim" Kaine
Senator
VA
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.
February 2025 Declared Career and Technical Education Month: Senate Resolution Highlights CTE's Role in Workforce Prep
The Senate just passed a resolution designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. This isn't about creating new laws or funding, but rather a formal recognition of CTE's role in preparing people for the workforce, especially in high-demand fields. The resolution directly acknowledges that a significant portion of future jobs (nearly 13 out of every 100) will require some postsecondary education, but not necessarily a four-year bachelor's degree by 2031.
What's the Deal with CTE Month?
The main goal here is to shine a spotlight on career and technical education programs. We're talking about programs that give you hands-on skills for specific careers – think welding, healthcare tech, culinary arts, or IT support. The Senate is recognizing that these programs are crucial for a strong economy. The resolution points out that over 11,100,000 students are already enrolled in CTE programs nationwide.
Real-World Impact: From Classrooms to Careers
This resolution is all about raising awareness. For example, a high school student unsure about a four-year college might see this and explore a CTE program that leads directly to a well-paying job in a growing field. Or, a parent might learn about the benefits of CTE – improved academic achievement, better employability skills, and solid college readiness, as highlighted in the resolution – and encourage their child to consider this path. The resolution also references the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which shows ongoing bipartisan support for this type of education.
The Bigger Picture: A Skilled Workforce
By promoting CTE, the Senate is essentially saying, "We need skilled workers, and these programs are a key part of the solution." It's a way to encourage educators, counselors, and even parents to talk about CTE as a viable and valuable option. While the resolution doesn't create any new mandates or funding, it's a clear signal that CTE is a priority. The challenge, of course, is making sure these programs are accessible, high-quality, and aligned with the needs of local businesses. This resolution is a step toward recognizing that not everyone needs a four-year degree to have a successful career, and that skilled trades and technical fields are essential to our economy.