Senator Kennedy to be honored as an ACTE Policymaker of the Year

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2006

CONTACT: Megan Reiter
(703) 683-9312; mreiter@acteonline.org

ALEXANDRIA, VA –For the second time in his career Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) will receive one of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) National Policymakers of the Year awards. ACTE is honoring Senator Kennedy for his dedication to and support for the improvement of career and technical education policies, which ensure that youth and adults are prepared for the future by building their skills for the careers of today and tomorrow.

Senator Kennedy has been at the forefront of educational leadership for many years. As the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, he has been an unwavering voice in the fight for improving America’s education and workforce systems. Senator Kennedy has played an instrumental role in ensuring the Perkins Act is reauthorized, and will be a key figure in the reauthorization again this year.

“Career and technical education is designed today to prepare and train students for 21st century jobs, and plays a critical role in maintaining America’s economic competitiveness. Last year, the Senate unanimously passed a comprehensive reauthorization bill that addressed key issues related to the continued vitality of these programs. I look forward to working with the House in conference to ensure the strength of career and technical education in the years to come,” said Senator Kennedy.

“ACTE is pleased to honor policymakers such as Senator Kennedy who have made significant efforts to ensure the advancement of quality career and technical education programs across the country that provide students with high-quality skills which prepare them for further education and meaningful careers,” commented ACTE President Connie Smithson.

The Association for Career and Technical Education is the national professional association for the field of career and technical education. Now in its 80th year, ACTE’s membership numbers more than 30,000 teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.

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