Meeting with the Honorable James Clyburn

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I had the pleasure of meeting Ashli Scott Palmer, Policy Director for the Honorable James E. Clyburn. Mrs. Boland, Mrs. Haile and I (all members of South Carolina ACTE) explained that we were there to discuss some issues involving career and technical education. Mrs. Palmer strongly stated her support of CTE and assured us that the Honorable James Clyburn is a strong supporter as well. Honorable Clyburn was a student at a career center and Ms. Palmer expressed how he valued that experience.

We shared statistics and information from an infographic that South Carolina ACTE created as a tool to help advocate on behalf of CTE. Mrs. Palmer was very pleased to hear about the success of CTE. She was thrilled to learn about how much the course offerings have grown to develop programs that cater to the diverse needs of students in the 21st century.

I expressed the importance of having our legislators join the CTE Caucus. The CTE Caucus is a bipartisan group that helps advocate on behalf of CTE. Mrs. Palmer assured us that the Honorable James E. Clyburn would join the CTE Caucus. We continued to discuss CTE by informing Mrs. Palmer about Perkins funds being cut to help fund roads. We explained the purpose and use of the Perkins funds relative to education. Mrs. Palmer was asked to let the Honorable James Clyburn know that Perkins funds are utilized to help provide rigorous and relevant training and equipment for both youth and adults for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and high demand careers. The elimination of these funds would have a negative impact on CTE educators and students’ futures.

It was a great experience to meet and talk to legislators who share a similar vision and understand the importance of CTE. After our discussion, we took a short tour of the Honorable James Clyburn’s office and examined the rich culture and years of service he has provided. This was a great experience and one that I will continue to reflect upon and remember.

Monica Brisbon
2017 ACTE Region II Fellow
Carolina Forest High School
Myrtle Beach, SC