Coalition Supports Perkins CTE Act Reauthorization
The STEM Education Coalition works aggressively to raise awareness in Congress about the critical role of STEM education in the US. Current workforce demands are changing the STEM conversation as employers are reporting a shortage of skilled workers to fill in-demand positions. Career and technical education (CTE) programs throughout the country are central to overcoming this skills gap. Ensuring that there is a pipeline for all STEM jobs is critical for the continued economic prosperity of the United States and ensures the country remains a leader in global competitiveness. We have joined others to support the reauthorization of the Perkins Act and encourage you to do the same.
A reauthorized version of Perkins should:
Align CTE programs to the needs of the regional, state, and local labor market;
Support effective and meaningful collaboration between secondary and postsecondary institutions and employers;
Increase student participation in experiential learning opportunities such as industry internships, apprenticeships and mentorships; and promote the use of industry-recognized credentials.
