ACTE History

Looking Back as ACTE Approaches its 100-year Anniversary!

The Association for Career and Technical Education® (ACTE) is the largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. Founded in 1926 when a Coca-Cola cost a nickel and Calvin Coolidge was president, ACTE emerged 10 years after the federal government began funding “vocational education” through the Smith-Hughes Act.

Career and technical education (CTE) as we know it today has its roots in the founding of the United States. From the start, a strong knowledge base and skill set for citizens were considered important. ACTE is committed to:

• Enhancing the job performance and satisfaction of its members and the CTE community
• Increasing public awareness and appreciation for CTE
• Assuring growth in local, state and federal funding for these programs by communicating and working with legislators and government leaders

Take a look back at ACTE’s history through the years from the 75th Anniversary issue of Techniques magazine, published in February 2002, as we approach our 100-year anniversary in 2026!

1. A New Association is Born
2. Answering the Call to Duty
3. The Times They Are A-Changing
4. A New Age of Technology
5. An Association is Reborn