President Obama Authorizes National CTE Scholars Program

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June 22, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2015
Contact: Sean Lynch
slynch@acteonline.org, 703-683-9312

President Obama Authorizes National CTE Scholars Program
ACTE applauds recognition for distinguished career and technical education students

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Executive Director LeAnn Wilson today expressed her strong support for the creation of the U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, which was authorized through an executive order by President Barack Obama.

“The U.S. Presidential Scholars in CTE program will be a fantastic opportunity to give our CTE students additional recognition that they so greatly deserve from our leaders in Washington,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “I am thrilled that President Obama and his Administration have taken this step to acknowledge the excellence and innovation happening in CTE classrooms nationwide, which is laying the foundation for students’ college and career success.”

The creation of the award adds to a growing well of support for CTE among policymakers, and was promoted by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who wrote a letter to the president last year encouraging him to expand the Presidential Scholars program to recognize the achievements of CTE students.

“I also want to express my tremendous gratitude to Senators Kaine, Baldwin and Portman for their partnership in calling for the creation of this award,” Wilson continued. “Through their work as co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate CTE Caucus, alongside Sen. [Johnny] Isakson (R-GA), we can spotlight the millions of CTE students who will power our nation’s workforce in the 21st-century economy.”

The Presidential Scholars program was created during the Administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize the nation’s top high school graduates based on their scholastic achievement, leadership and community involvement. Through this executive action, President Obama and his administration will now recognize up to 20 students who have achieved excellence in their education and at the same time build greater prestige and public support for CTE programs. The first group of U.S. Presidential Scholars in CTE will be nominated in spring 2016.

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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