First Lady Michelle Obama Recognizes CTE Innovation

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June 30, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2015
Contact: Sean Lynch
slynch@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312

First Lady Michelle Obama Recognizes CTE Innovation
Speaks at White House event organized by national CTE advocates, Obama Administration officials and career and technical student organizations

Alexandria, VA – First Lady Michelle Obama today spoke at a White House event titled “Celebrating Innovations in Career and Technical Education,” which recognized leadership and achievement among career and technical education (CTE) students and educators from across the country.

“CTE programs like these are good for students, because they can learn new skills and find their passion, they’re good for businesses because they can tap into a pipeline of skilled talent, and they’re good for our country because these programs help us grow our economy, compete with other countries and unleash the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators,” Obama said during her keynote remarks.

The event was organized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Career, Technical and Adult Education in partnership with Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the National Coordinating Council of Career and Technical Student Organizations and the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium.

“It was an honor and an enormous privilege to attend today’s event, which brought together leaders from the world of education policy with the CTE students and teachers who are driving innovation in our classrooms nationwide.” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “It was also a pleasure to hear First Lady Michelle Obama’s remarks about the crucial role that postsecondary CTE institutions, including community colleges, have in her Reach Higher Initiative. Her emphasis on the important role of CTE in preparing every student to achieve college- and career-success is a crucial message to carry forward as policymakers consider ways to strengthen America’s schools.”

The event also provided attending students and educators with the opportunity to share their insights and classroom experiences through the White House’s first-ever “CTE Innovation Fair,” as well as a chance to collaborate on policies that will support and expand CTE programs.

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, guidance counselors 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.

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