FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11, 2008

CONTACT: Sabrina Kidwai (703) 683-9312; skidwai@acteonline.org

 

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced today Congressman Phil English (PA-3) as a 2008 Policymaker of the Year. This award is presented annually by the ACTE Board of Directors to nationally-recognized policymakers who have made a significant impact on policy related to career and technical education during the past year or extended career of public service.

Congressman English co-founded the congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus last April. During the past year, English has gathered support for CTE from legislators and has been involved in raising the awareness of CTE. This year English and Congressman Baird co-sponsored Resolution 930, which honors February as Career and Technical Education Month passed on February 25.

“I am honored to receive such a prestigious award from the Association for Career and Technical Education,” Congressman English said. “Clearly, there is a growing demand for skilled workers in our country, and in order for American employers to remain competitive in today’s global market, we must invest in our workforce and promote new programs and more education. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington to advance initiatives that will further strengthen career and technical education in our country.”

Serving his seventh term in Congress, English is an advocate for education and developing legislation to make higher education more affordable. English introduced The Higher Education Affordability and Equity Act, and he has supported Job Training Improvement Act and Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act.

“Congressman English’s commitment for career and technical education is demonstrated by creating the caucus and continued support of funding for the Carl D. Perkins Act,” ACTE Executive Director Jan Bray said. “The Board of Directors wanted to acknowledge his work on increasing the awareness and understanding of CTE in Congress. CTE benefits students by providing them with the quality skills and training necessary to compete in today’s global market.”

The ACTE National Policy Seminar attracts approximately 500 educators, business leaders and education advocates from across the country running successful career and technical education programs. Conference participants learn about and advocate for federal policies regarding career and technical education. For more information on the Policymaker of the Year awards, please visit www.acteonline.org.

The Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. It provides advocacy, public awareness and access to information, professional development and tools that enable members to be successful and effective leaders. Founded in 1926, ACTE has more than 29,000 members including teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.

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