On July 31, the president signed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act into law. This bill reauthorizes the Perkins Act, which provides over $1 billion to the states to fund career and technical education for secondary and post-secondary programs. Among the law’s changes are the relationships between the states and Department of Education and how educators consult with stakeholders, such as employers.
With a greater emphasis on employer input on labor shortages and in-demand skills an AGC coalition has provided a list of provisions of interest to employers. The document also provides opportunities for employers that engage with their educators on how federal funds are spent locally. AGC is encouraged that the law will have meaningful results because local educators will be forced to consult and work with local employers. AGC will continue to monitor implementation of the law and evaluate opportunities for employers.
For more information, contact Jim Young at youngj@agc.org or (202) 547-0133.