My name is Vilmer Alvarado, and I recently joined the ACTE Public Policy Department as the newest Research and Policy Associate. In this role, my core responsibility is to support and advance the Association’s policy, advocacy and professional development goals by collecting and using research, data and best practices to help inform members, the media, policymakers and the public about CTE. In this initial blog post, I would like to introduce myself and explain why I decided to join ACTE.
Education has always been an important value for me. When I was a kid, I dreamed of going to college, but I was aware of the notoriously expensive costs of higher education in America. So, I worked hard, got good grades and did everything in my reach to try to make my dream happen. One day, I was walking home from a long day at school and upon reaching my house, I was excitedly greeted by my mother who was holding an envelope. She let me know that I was accepted into a
full-ride scholarship program for college. I went on to attend the University of Kansas where I majored in Political Science, Public Administration and Strategic Communications.
Being accepted into that scholarship program changed my life forever but I remained aware of the postsecondary education affordability problem in the United States, especially for students of underprivileged communities of color like the one where I came from. I witnessed many students decide not to pursue any form of postsecondary education due to financial barriers, which disappointed me and made me passionate about creating change.
However, I also witnessed many of my peers go on to successfully pursue their dream careers, despite the difficulties faced by our community, after being inspired by the CTE programs offered by our school district. I personally value CTE because it helped me in my career journey as well. When I was a junior in high school, I had an interest in potentially pursuing a health career. After completing a CNA program, however, I realized that working in health care was not for me but I am grateful for that experience and the opportunity for career exploration.
I strongly believe in fair and equitable access to postsecondary education and career opportunities. At ACTE I hope to help the Association’s members in advocating for CTE and education policy in general at the local, state and federal levels so that more and more students can find their paths in life without money being an impediment.
Before ACTE I interned at numerous nonprofit organizations and member associations doing policy and advocacy work. I also have experience in journalism and communications, having worked for C-SPAN and in the media agency landscape.
Outside of work, I like playing and watching Soccer and video games, going out with friends and exploring new restaurants. I also enjoy reading and listening to the occasional podcast. Additionally, I am an amateur barista, as I have my own espresso machine at home, but sometimes you can find me enjoying a nice cup of coffee at a local coffee shop here in Kansas City, which is where I am from and from where I will be working remotely for the Association.
I look forward to working with ACTE’s public policy team to advance CTE research and policy efforts on behalf of our members. Please do not hesitate to reach out at [email protected] and I would be happy to serve as a resource or answer any questions.
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