Although the Senate returned to Washington last week, action on CTE-related items was again minimal, with much of the focus on confirming pending nominees and holding hearings. Both chambers will be in session this week, and it is expected that appropriations negotiators will continue work on an “omnibus” agreement to extend government funding beyond September 30 as work continues on Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 spending bills. As we await more from Congress, here are some key news and notes:
- House Small Business Committee to Hold Hearing Featuring ACTE Member: On September 15, at 10:00am ET, the House Small Business Committee will hold a hearing titled “Back to School, Back to Startups: Supporting Youth Apprenticeship, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development.” ACTE Board of Directors member Shani Watkins will be serving as a witness at the hearing. ACTE will have more coverage later this week of her appearance before the committee.
- OCTAE Assistant Secretary Talks CTE at Advance CTE Fireside Chat: On September 6, the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) Assistant Secretary Amy Loyd spoke with Advance CTE Executive Director Kimberly Green as a part of Advance CTE’s Fall Fireside Chat series. You can view a recording of the webinar here.
- House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Juvenile Justice: On September 8, the Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee of the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing on investments in juvenile justice programs. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) mentioned the Community Healing Initiative, which is a partnership between Latino Network, Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center and other organizations that offers culturally appropriate interventions and workforce development opportunities to youth of color in the juvenile justice system. Naomi Evans of Coalition for Juvenile Justice said that job training with holistic supports is also critical. Witness Father Steven Boes mentioned that his faith-based program, Boys Town, has a workforce development partnership with Union Pacific and trains welders. You can watch the full hearing here.
- Secretary Cardona Announces Back to School Bus Tour: On September 12, First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary Cardona will kick off the bus tour in Tennessee with a visit highlighting ways states and districts are recruiting and preparing qualified educators into the classroom. Read more about the tour here.
- Department of Labor Awards Trade Adjustment Assistance Funding: The Department of Labor has announced funding to provide training and employment services in 45 states and Puerto Rico to eligible workers. The awards are the department’s final distribution of FY 2022 funds to states through the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program. The program supports training, employment and case management services, job search and relocation allowances and income support during training.
- Department of Labor Awards Funding Expand Access to Jobs: The Department of Labor has announced the award of $45 million in grant funding to 13 colleges in 12 states to help expand CTE education programs. The grants will enable institutions to focus on specific industry sectors and career pathways training for skill development, rapid reskilling and employment in in-demand jobs. Read more about the grants here.
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