Graves Celebrates Public Schools Week and National Career and Technical Education Month in Congress
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) joined Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) this week to lead a bipartisan group of 108 Members of Congress in introducing H. Res. 862, which expresses support for the designation of the week of February 24 through February 28, 2019, as "Public Schools Week."
"Our public schools in North Missouri are one of our most critical assets. The work they do throughout my district to educate our children is incredible," said Graves. "Our teachers and faculty are on the front lines of providing our students with the education they need and deserve. Graduates of our public schools in North Missouri have gone on to do incredible things and our public schools have played a big role in their success. Public Schools Week is a great opportunity to recognize our students, teachers, faculty and administrators across the country."
As February is also National Career and Technical Education Month, Graves is featuring Career and Technical Centers across his district on his Facebook page this week.
Graves also joined Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Glenn ‘GT' Thompson (R-PA), co-chairs of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, in introducing H. Res. 864, a bipartisan resolution recognizing National CTE Month, which celebrates the value and impact of career and technical education programs across the nation.
"Career and Technical Education programs are more critical than ever," said Graves. "Our employers are in desperate need of skilled workers and these programs are able to produce high-quality graduates who can quickly join the workforce and meet today's growing labor demands. I'm glad we are seeing more of these programs get established in North Missouri so we can fill the labor void that is out there."
CTE prepares students for careers in fields such as healthcare, information technology, and the skilled trades. There are more than 7 million job openings nationally, and many are within industries with noted skilled labor shortages. By 2026, health care occupations alone are projected to grow by 18 percent, adding more than 2 million jobs nationwide. It is also projected that 3 million workers will be needed to support investments in the nation's infrastructure in the next decade.
More than 12 million students are enrolled in CTE programs at high schools, career academies, CTE centers, and two-year colleges across the country. Participation in CTE programs has been linked to better attendance and higher high school graduation rates. The resolution recognizes the importance of CTE and encourages educators, counselors, career development professionals, and parents to promote CTE as an option for students.
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