July 26, 2018

Warren Applauds Passage of Career and Technical Education Bill

Legislation Contains Warren's "Free Career and Technical Education for High School Students Act"

Washington, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) applauded Congressional passage of legislation to reauthorize the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.  The legislation, which passed the House yesterday after passing the Senate earlier this week, contains a provision similar to Senator Warren's Free Career and Technical Education for High School Students Act and now heads to the President for his signature. 

"We need to do everything we can to ensure that all students, regardless of means or background, have access to career training that will provide a path to a good-paying job and a middle-class lifestyle," said Senator Warren.  "If classes that prepare high school students for college are free, then career training classes that prepare students to enter the workforce should also be free.  This bill, which will help eliminate out-of-pocket costs and fees for low-income students who want to participate in career training programs, is a step in the right direction.  I am glad that Congress passed this legislation and look forward to seeing it signed into law."

Despite public high school education being free, in many states, students and families bear costs associated with career and technical education  (CTE) programs, including tuition, fees, textbooks, equipment, and transportation.  These costs can be associated with programs for high school students enrolled in CTE classes at their high schools or dual-enrolled at local colleges.

The Free Career and Technical Education for High School Students Act would require states to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs associated with CTE programs for high school students in "special populations."  Special populations, as defined in the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, include students with disabilities, students from low-income families, and students with other barriers to educational achievement, such as those learning English.

###