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Sarbanes Supports House Bill to Improve Career and Technical Education

September 13, 2016

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 5587) Will Help Train More Americans for Employment in High-Skilled and In-Demand Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes today voted to support H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, a bill that makes several important reforms to help more Americans enter the workforce with the technical skills they need to compete and secure employment.

“We must do everything we can to provide American workers with the skills and training they need to attain well-paying jobs in today’s high-growth industries,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “That’s why I am proud to support this bill, which is a win for millions of hardworking Americans looking to get ahead and succeed in our 21st-century economy.”

H.R. 5587 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 405-5, and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If signed into law, this bipartisan bill will:

  • Deliver states more flexibility to use federal resources in response to changing education and economic needs.
  • Ensure career and technical education prepares all students, including historically disadvantaged and vulnerable students, for success in high-skill, high-wage occupations and careers in nontraditional fields.
  • Improve alignment with in-demand jobs by supporting innovative learning opportunities, building better community partnerships and encouraging stronger engagement with employers.
  • Enhance career and technical education through increased focus on employability skills, work-based learning opportunities and meaningful credentialing so students are prepared to enter the workforce poised for success.
  • Provide parents, students and stakeholders a voice in setting performance goals and evaluating the effectiveness of local programs.
  • Empower state and local leaders to develop plans that improve the quality of career and technical education and take into account unique ‎local and state needs.

To learn more about H.R. 5587, see here.

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