ACTE Voices Support for CTE Opportunity Act

September 22, 2015

LeAnn Wilson, Executive Director of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), today voiced her support for the CTE Opportunity Act, introduced by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) on September 22, 2015. The bill assists students enrolled in short-term postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programs who are seeking in-demand credentials by providing more equitable access to federal student aid programs.

“It’s critical that our postsecondary CTE students have access to federal financial aid programs that will support them while they conduct the important work of building their skills,” said Wilson. “This legislation will connect students pursuing short-term programs to the resources they need to obtain education and training for in-demand careers, and we applaud Senator Baldwin’s work to be a champion for these learners.”

The CTE Opportunity Act ensures that students will advance their career by attaining industry-recognized credentials such as a license, certification or certificate, which meets state or local workforce needs as determined by experts within the state. To qualify, programs will need to include at least 250 clock hours and five weeks of training to ensure the program provides students with adequate education opportunities.