ACTE Statement on Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2017

Media Contact:
Jarrod Nagurka, ACTE
703-683-9312, jnagurka@acteonline.org

ACTE Statement on Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act

Alexandria, VA – Today, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Boozman (R-AR) and Al Franken (D-MN), along with U.S. Representatives Jared Polis (D-CO) and Tom Reed (R-NY), reintroduced the Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA) (S. 718 and H.R. 1710). The bill aims to improve access to higher education for secondary students through dual and concurrent enrollment programs.

According to a press release from Senator Peters’ office, the bill would use funds provided under the Higher Education Act to provide grants to postsecondary institutions to:

  • Offer dual and concurrent enrollment programs for secondary students.
  • Provide professional development to educators teaching these programs.
  • Support other aspects of the programs, like course design, community outreach and counseling services.

The release included the following statement from ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson:

“Rigorous, high-quality career and technical education provides millions of students with opportunities to earn college credit and industry credentials through concurrent and dual enrollment programs. The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act (MEAA) will strengthen the secondary-postsecondary transition for high school CTE students pursuing college credit and will support professional development activities for CTE teachers. ACTE is pleased to endorse MEAA and thanks the bill’s sponsors for their leadership.”

Similar bills were introduced in the House and Senate last year.

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.