The Ripon Advance - Rokita Chairs Hearing on Benefits of Career and Technical Education Initiatives

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By Nick Rees

Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Chairman Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) convened a hearing on Friday entitled "Preparing Today's Students for Tomorrow's Jobs: A Discussion on Career and Technical Education and Training Programs."

Expert witnesses at the hearing described the benefits of career and technical education initiatives and highlighted ways to improve the initiatives as part of the upcoming reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

"A number of states, school districts, and post-secondary institutions have implemented truly exceptional CTE programs," Rokita said, pointing to successful programs in Massachusetts, Indiana and Wisconsin. "However, despite these shining examples, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported more than 8 million Americans between the ages of 16 and 24 are still looking for jobs. By strengthening the career and technical education programs funded under the Perkins Act, we can help more of these young people gain an edge in the workforce."

Rokita added that the committee plans to discuss a range or proposals meant to improve the Perkins Act in the coming weeks.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft smart policies that will help put more Americans on the path to a prosperous future," Rokita said.

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