CTE Policy Watch: A blog for CTE advocates

DC Digest November 16 - 22

This was a busy week in Washington as Congress works to complete necessary activities before the end of the year. The Department of Education released the long-awaited Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Department of Labor celebrated National Apprenticeship Week. They also announced several new resources and funding opportunities for workforce development. Meanwhile, President-Elect Trump nominated Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education. Keep reading for more! 

• President-Elect Trump Nominates Linda McMahon for Education Secretary: President-Elect Donald Trump picked Linda McMahon, a business and wrestling executive and former administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), to lead the Education Department. Most recently, McMahon served as co-chair of Trump’s transition team.   

• Introducing the New Senators-Elect: In January, twelve new senators-elect are expected to take office and join the 119th Congress. Though some have yet to announce their positions and plans regarding education and workforce development, many have outlined priorities and interests in CTE they intend to pursue. Many have also served in federal, state and local government offices, providing us insights into what they might seek to accomplish as senators. 

• FAFSA Update: The Department of Education announced that the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form is now available to the public, two weeks ahead of the Department's goal of December 1. The House and Senate also passed the FAFSA Deadline Act, which would mandate that the form be made available by October 1 in future years, rather than the Department’s current deadline of January 1. 

• Department of Energy Launches $1.9 Million Offshore Wind Workforce Readiness Program: The Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) announced a $1.9 million funding opportunity to strengthen offshore wind workforce readiness. Applications are due by December 13, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. 

• National Apprenticeship Week: The Department of Labor celebrated its 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week. To commemorate the occasion, House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) addressed the House Floor to call for stronger workforce development programs. For more National Apprenticeship Week resources, check out ACTE on social media! 

• Updated Resource – Aligning the Workforce System and Economic Growth in Best Practices from State WIOA Planning: The Department of Labor updated a publication to highlight states that have been using their WIOA State Plan as a strategic document to improve their systems and services. 

DC Digest: November 9-15

Congress is back in DC with a packed agenda ahead of them for the lame duck session. Key items on the schedule are the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), completion or extension of the Farm Bill, and appropriations packages. The continuing resolution (CR) passed earlier this year extends FY 2025 government funding through December 20, so Congress will have to either pass their spending bills or another CR before then. Meanwhile, committee assignments and orientation for the 119th Congress have begun, despite a handful of House races remaining uncalled. In the Administration, the Department of Labor is gearing up for National Apprenticeship Week while the Department of Education begins its final phase of testing for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Keep reading for more information and stay tuned for upcoming details on your new Members of Congress! 

 

• Post-Election Update: As the dust settles on last week’s general election, we are starting to get a clearer picture of what changes will look like within the Executive and Legislative branches. There will certainly be some immediate impacts, and others that will have greater implications for the future. Check out the blog for more details.
• Senator Cassidy to Chair HELP Committee in 119th Congress: Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced that he will serve as Chair of the Committee in the 119th Congress once Republicans take control of the chamber. He has already established an agenda. 
• White House Hosts Classroom to Career Summit: The White House hosted the Classroom to Career Summit with the President and First Lady to discuss education and the Administration’s agenda on expanding career pathways to good jobs. A companion event was hosted by the Department of Education to explore promising programs and practices across the country.  
• House Passes Social Security Fairness Act: On Nov. 12, the House passed H.R. 82, which would repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provisions (WEP) within the Social Security program. This is a long-time ACTE priority that would improve the ability to recruit industry professionals into teaching careers in some states. We will be encouraging the Senate to act on the bill before the end of the Congress. 
• ACTE Submits Comments on Proposed Changes to Perkins: On Nov. 12, ACTE and Advance CTE submitted joint comments in response to the Administration’s proposed changes to the Perkins State Plan Guide. You can view our comments here, and see other responses here.
• House Advances Bipartisan Bill to Make FAFSA Available by October 1: The House passed the FAFSA Deadline Act, designed to ensure that the FAFSA be fully operational by October 1 every year rather than January 1, the current deadline.
• Department of Education Announces Final Beta Testing Period for the 2025–26 FAFSA Form: The Department of Education announced the commencement of their final testing period for the 2025-26 FAFSA, following months of data collection and feedback from students testing the form. They are still on track to launch the form for everyone no later than December 1.
• Departments of Labor, Commerce release skills-first hiring guide to help employers hire, promote workers based on skill, knowledge: The Department of Labor published the “Good Jobs Initiative's Skills-First Hiring Starter Kit,” designed to educate employers about the benefits of using skills-first hiring practices and encourage them to use the practices in an effort to build a more qualified workforce.
• From Apprenticeship to Contractor: The Lifecycle of a Tradeswoman Event: The Department of Labor is holding an event later this month with the Women’s Bureau, for National Apprenticeship Week (November 17-23). This event will explore the career journeys of tradeswomen and their insights.  

 

 

 

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DC Digest 11.02-11.08

This week, Congress was quiet with focus on the general election. Results of the election will put Republicans in control of the Administration and the Senate. There are a number of districts still tallying votes for House races, so results in that Chamber have not been finalized. ACTE will share more information on the results of elections and their implications on CTE policy as we learn more. We will also be making extensive outreach to the transition team and to new Members of Congress to share CTE priorities and information, and will need your help to build these critical relationships. More info about how to get involved will be coming soon. In other news this week, the current Administration made several new announcements: 

• New Partnership Between Agriculture and Education to Expand SNAP Access for College Students: The Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Education announced a joint agreement to strengthen college student access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Data shows that millions of eligible students are not receiving benefits, so they are trying to increase awareness of the program to help students access their benefits. 

• Secretary Cardona Pens Op-ed on Investment in Rural Education: Secretary Cardona wrote an op-ed detailing the need for investment in rural education, specifically referencing the need for investments in community schools that offer certifications and direct pathways to employment.  

• Department of Agriculture Ban on School Lunch Fees: The Department of Agriculture announced students eligible for free or reduced meals will not be charged for processing fees in 2027. This policy will go into effect for families with income under 185% of federal poverty guidelines. 

• Department of Labor Awards Grants to Support Mine Safety, Health Training: The Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration has awarded more than $10.5 million in grants to organization to reduce mining accidents, injuries and illnesses by supporting programs such as safety and health courses. 

• Department of Labor Announced Event on Reentry Apprenticeship Opportunities: The Department of Labor announced a webinar with information on apprenticeship opportunities for individuals reentering their communities post-incarceration. This will contain information on correctional facility-based Registered Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeship programs and seamless transition strategies. 

• New Infrastructure Learning Community: The Department of Labor launched an Infrastructure Learning Community (ILC) to create a collaborative environment for federal grantees leading, supporting, scaling, or developing initiatives funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. 

• Tribal Consultation on Opportunities and Access to Registered Apprenticeship and for Competitive Grants: The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) created a Tribal Consultation to discuss opportunities and access to registered apprenticeship programs for federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations and ETA grants to Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations. 

DC Digest October 26-November 1

It was a very quiet week in Washington as most of the focus of policymakers was on the upcoming election – don’t forget to vote! However, federal agencies did continue to work on a number of projects. The Department of Education continued to work on this year’s FAFSA rollout and Title IX legal battles. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor is promoting resources for National Apprenticeship Week. Congress is still on recess, which means you still have time to connect with your policymakers locally before they return to DC in less than two weeks!

• Election Resources: Are you #VoteReady? Next week, you will have the opportunity to have your say in who represents your community at the local, state and federal levels. Check out the CTE Policy Watch Blog for information on what’s on the ballot this November.
• National Apprenticeship Week Resources: The Department of Labor shared additional information and resources to prepare for the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week (November 17-23). These resources can help you host events, submit proclamations and promote Registered Apprenticeship in your in-person and digital communities.
• Department of Labor Announces Registered Apprenticeship Academy Webinar: The Registered Apprenticeship Academy will hold a webinar on November 20, “Expanding Recruitment to Underserved Communities,” designed for Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors and employer partners to explore strategies for expanding outreach and recruitment to underserved populations.
• Office of Educational Technology Publishes AI Toolkit: The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology recently published a toolkit titled “Empowering Education Leaders: A Toolkit for Safe, Equitable, and Ethical AI Integration.” It contains guidance for education leader and numerous resources on potential AI policies.
• Executive Order Grants Nearly $19 Million to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): An Executive Order established the first White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Hispanic-Serving Institutions. As part of this initiative, President Biden announced financial awards to be distributed to several HSIs, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), including select technical schools and community colleges.
• Title IX Legal Battles Continue: In August, the Department of Education released new Title IX regulations, which faced backlash and were prohibited from taking effect in many schools across the country. Most recently, the case of Tennessee v. Cardona began arguments to determine whether the Department of Education has authority to enforce the regulations.
• FAFSA Testing Update: In an interview with CNBC, the Department of Education shared that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) rollout is on track as testing continues through October. The official form is scheduled to be made available on December 1. For more information on FAFSA, see the blog.

DC Digest Oct 19- 25

This week, the Department of Education continued to work on student loan relief initiatives and workforce development opportunities. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor worked to promote Registered Apprenticeships. Congress is still on recess, but will return soon after the election, which is less than two weeks away! If you have yet to make a plan to vote, check out these resources on the blog to learn how to cast your ballot. 

• Department of Education Webinar on STEM in Rural Communities: The Department of Education is hosting a webinar, “Elevating STEM Education in Rural Communities” next Tuesday, 10/29. The event is hosted with the National Science Foundation, National FFA and other stakeholders. 

• Department of Education’s Power Your Future Challenge: The Department of Education has launched the Power Your Future Challenge — the second challenge in its annual CTE Momentum series to prepare high school students for rewarding careers and increase access to CTE. Teams are invited to submit action plans that will advance the use of clean energy in local schools and communities. 

• Departments of Labor, Commerce, Education Renew Memorandum of Understanding With Switzerland to Expand Registered Apprenticeship in United States: The U.S. and Swiss governments have renewed a memorandum of understanding to expand and strengthen quality apprenticeships and pathways to good jobs, including Registered Apprenticeships, among Swiss companies and Swiss-invested companies in the United States. 

• Department of Labor Welcomes New Apprenticeship Ambassadors; Recognizes Organizations for Promoting, Expanding and Diversifying Registered Apprenticeship: The Department of Labor welcomed the latest cohort of Apprenticeship Ambassadors and recognized current ambassadors for meeting or exceeding their commitments to expand and diversify Registered Apprenticeships.  

• Department of Labor Announced $20 Million for Out-of-School Time Organizations to Increase Work-Based Learning: The Department of Labor announced up to $20 million available in grants for out-of-school time organizations to expand local work-based learning opportunities, job training and career pathways for underserved youth. 

DC Digest October 12-18

With a little over three weeks left in recess, Member of Congress continued to work in their districts and communities. Because they plan to work on appropriations when they get back to DC, this is a great opportunity to connect locally with your policymakers to advocate for greater CTE funding! Meanwhile, the Department of Education has been working on new and existing projects such as FAFSA implementation, and the Department of Labor continues to update resources on workforce development. Keep reading for more details! 

 

• Department of Education Launches CTE CHIPS Challenge with $1M Prize Pool: The Department of Education launched the CTE CHIPS Challenge, a $1 million multi-phase prize competition to expand student recruitment, training and placement strategies in semiconductor fabrication (fab) construction and advanced manufacturing careers aligned with the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS). Learn more on the CTE Policy Watch Blog.  

• Education and the Workforce Committee Questions Department of Education’s Push to Implement Changes to Perkins: House Education and the Workforce Committee Chair Virginia Foxx and Secondary Education Subcommittee Chair Aaron Bean sent a letter to Secretary Cardona with concerns about proposed revisions to Perkins state plans and reporting processes that will place major burdens on state agencies, school districts and postsecondary institutions that implement CTE programs. ACTE has also been pushing back against these changes. 

• Agenda for the 2024 Lame Duck Session of Congress: Congress is not in session until after the November election, but when lawmakers return, they will be coming back to a long to-do list. The first thing on their list will likely be government funding. Read more about their agenda on the CTE Policy Watch Blog. 

• Department of Education Announces Successful First Round of FAFSA Testing: The Department of Education announced the launch of their second stage of testing for the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The first round was completed successfully, and several updated resources were announced, including a Financial Aid Toolkit. 

• Department of Labor Releases Artificial Intelligence (AI) Resource: The Department of Labor released an “AI Best Practices” roadmap to ensure emerging technologies enhance job quality and benefit workers.  

• Department of Labor Released Updated WIOA Resources: The Department of Labor shared updated resources from the National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advantage of People with Disabilities, a WIOA policy development center.  

• Department of Labor Updates On-the-Job Training Tools: The Department of Labor updated their On-the-Job Training toolkit. They will host a webinar on October 28 to discuss these updates to the toolkit and best strategies for implementation.  

 

DC Digest October 5 - 11

There was still minimal activity on Capitol Hill this week while Congress is on recess. This is, however, a fantastic time to meet with your lawmakers while they are at home in states and districts. A school visit or a community event is a good opportunity to connect and make the case for CTE! With Congress out, most activity this week comes from the Administration. They have announced several new funding opportunities and resources for workforce development and postsecondary institutions. Keep reading for more information! 

• Department of Education Postsecondary Success Recognition Program: The Department of Education launched the Postsecondary Success Recognition Program earlier this year to recognize institutions that support students to complete programs that will prepare them for the workforce and to give back to their communities. The Department has released a list of 200 institutions that are eligible for this recognition – 100 of which are predominantly associate or certificate-granting institutions. Those institutions must now apply for recognition by November 1 at 5:00pm ET. Check to see if your institution is on the list!  

• Department of Education Publishes Digital Equity Resource: The Department of Education published a new guide, “Advancing Digital Equity for All” which is comprised of community-based recommendations for developing digital equity plans to amend digital disparities in the classroom. 

• Department of Labor Announces New Funding Opportunity: The Department of Labor announced up to $40 million in funding for the Workforce Pathways for Youth Grant Program, with the intention of expanding workforce readiness programming. This funding will expand workforce readiness programming by providing job training and career exploration and creating work-based learning opportunities.  

• Department of Labor Webinar Highlighting Strengthening Community College Training Grants (SCC): The Department of Labor is hosting a webinar on October 22 to discuss progress made by SCC grantees. This will provide attendees with actionable ideas and practical advice to bring to their own programs and schools.  

• National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Commerce (DOC) Announced $30 Million to Boost Microelectronics Workforce: The NSF and DOC announced $30 million in funding over the next six years to establish a National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME). Eligible applicants include higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. The deadline to apply is October 28 at 4:00pm ET. 

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Launches Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program: The FCC is launching a program to provide up to $200 million to selected participants to support cybersecurity services and protect school and library broadband networks and data.  

DC Digest September 28 - October 4

Capitol Hill was quiet this week with Congress recessed until after the election. The Department of Labor has been active, announcing several new grant opportunities with a focus on apprenticeships for underserved youth and women in nontraditional occupations. They’ve also updated resources on outreach and industry. Keep reading for more updates! 

 

• Department of Labor Announces $20 Million in Grants Available for Out-of-School Time: The Department of Labor announced up to $20 million in grants to expand work-based learning opportunities, job training and career pathways for underserved youth after school and during summer. Applications are due December 3.  

• Department of Labor Announced $6 Million in Grants to Expand Job Opportunities for Women in Apprenticeships, Nontraditional Occupations: The Department of Labor announced the award of new grants to help recruit, train and retain women in quality pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs and nontraditional occupations. 

• Department of Labor Updated Resource on Outreach to Business on Apprenticeships: The Department of Labor updated their resource on developing outreach strategies and materials to business partners in support of apprenticeship expansion. 

• Department of Labor Industry Focus Calls: The Department of Labor shared the transcripts and summaries of their Industry Focus calls related to apprenticeship expansion conducted from 2019-2024. The calls can help employers and other stakeholders gain insights to use in growing apprenticeships.  

• Department of Labor Webinar: The Department of Labor is hosting a webinar “Be Pro, Be Proud: Building Tomorrow’s Workforce” to offer students, parents and teachers new perspectives on high-demand technical careers in construction, manufacturing, transportation, utilities and other sectors. 

• Update on FAFSA: Secretary Cardona addressed public concerns on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the Department of Education began their testing period for the updated 2025-25 FAFSA form. Check out the blog for more information and resources on this year’s FAFSA process. 

• Department of Education Seeking Peer Reviewers: Each year, the Department of Education convenes panels of education professionals and practitioners to peer review grants. They are currently in search of peer reviewers, so apply if interested. 

DC Digest September 21- 29

This week was the final week Congress was in session until after the election, so the schedule was packed! There were several education- and workforce-related hearings and legislation was passed to extend government funding until December 20. Meanwhile, the Administration kept busy with several new grants to support workforce development and education, new resources on relevant workforce development programs and updated information and assistance with FAFSA. Keep reading for more details! 

• Congress Passes Continuing Resolution (CR): The House and Senate both passed a CR and it was signed into law by President Biden. This legislation funds the government at current funding levels through December 20. With this extra time, Congress must work on passing fiscal year (FY) 2025 appropriations bills, including the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education bill.  

• House Education and Workforce Committee Holds Hearings on Teacher Prep, FAFSA: The House Education and Workforce Committee held multiple hearings this week. The Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing on the challenges with and changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Meanwhile, the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing on how to best prepare K-12 teachers for the classroom.  

• House Small Business Committee Holds Hearing on Workforce Training Programs: The House Small Business Committee’s Subcommittee on Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development held a hearing on workforce development programs, noting the importance of apprenticeships and how they, and similar programs, can be helpful in expanding the small business workforce.  

• Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Holds Hearing on AI: The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing this week on how to best prepare workers for AI. Senators Kaine and Budd, co-chairs of the Senate CTE Caucus, raised questions on CTE and workforce development as it relates to AI.  

• Department of Education to Hold Federal Financial Aid Bootcamp: The Department of Education is holding an online, free, one-day webinar series geared toward students, parents and college access professionals on the new FAFSA form on Oct 23. This is following Secretary Cardona’s letter and white paper to leadership at higher education institutions. 

• Department of Education Seeking Feedback on Perkins Regulations: The Department of Education is accepting public comments on the new proposed regulations to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act State Plan Guide. Advance CTE and ACTE have formally requested a 30-day extension to the comment period in order for the CTE community to have adequate time to provide meaningful feedback. For updates on this, see the CTE Policy Watch Blog. 

• Department of Education Announces $46 Million in Grants to Support State and Local Education Agencies: The Department of Education announced $46 million in grants to advance resource equity in schools, accelerate academic recovery, strengthen educator workforce, promote early school success and support English and multilingual learners.  

• Department of Labor Awards $18.4 Million in Grants to Measure Sector-Based Training for Low-Income Older Adult Workers: The Department of Labor announced $18.4 million to measure the effectiveness of industry or sector-based training as a bridge to unsubsidized employment for low-income, older workers.  

• Department of Labor Announced $71 Million in Grants to Improve Job Quality: The Department of Labor announced grants to improve job quality, expand access to good jobs in critical sectors and prepare workers for the jobs created by the administration's Investing in America agenda.  

• Department of Labor Shared General Apprenticeship Resources: The Department of Labor published updated resources focused on apprenticeship expansion. This includes resources on career pathways and postsecondary education. 

• Department of Labor Shares Updated Webcast Series on WIOA Youth and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs: The Department of Labor updated their resource on WIOA VR programs to support state and local workforce leaders, youth program practitioners and youth stakeholders and partners. The resource includes information on eligibility and services. 

DC Digest 9/14 - 9/20

This week, Congress continued to work on FY 2025 appropriations as we quickly approach September 30, the end of the fiscal year. The House of Representatives rejected a continuing resolution that would have extended current federal funding for an additional six months, and is now working toward a shorter compromise to avoid a government shutdown. See the CTE Policy Watch Blog for further updates. Meanwhile, Administration activities continued. Keep reading for more details! 

• Reps. Langworthy, Thompson and Bonamici Introduce the CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act: ACTE endorsed the CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act, which would prioritize CTE students’ mental health and wellbeing by making CTE schools eligible for mental health and substance use disorder services grants. 

• Chair Aaron Bean to Hold Hearing on Improving Teacher Preparation: Next week, the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education will hold a hearing “Innovative Teacher Preparation: Properly Equipping America’s Educators.”  

• House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development to Hold Hearing on FAFSA: Next week, the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development will hold a hearing to examine the challenges and outcomes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  

• Reps. Graves and Spanberger Force a Floor Vote on the Social Security Fairness Act: The Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) has progressed in the House. Following a seven-day waiting period, Congress can call for a vote on the legislation.  

• Department of Education Announces Awards Nearly $50 Million to Hispanic-Serving Institutions: The Department of Education announced awards to support Hispanic and Latino students and the schools that prepare them for the workforce. Several community colleges received funding to expand educational opportunities and improve the attainment of Hispanic students. 

• Department of Education New Resource: The Department of Education released “Implementing Holisitc Advising and Wraparound Services to Equitably Improve Postsecondary Student Success: Playbook” and announced an accompanying webinar for October 2. This provides higher education leaders with resources to implement comprehensive and integrated advising models to support students in postsecondary institutions.  

• Department of Labor Announces Grants to Promote Workplace Safety, Health Training and Education: The Department of Labor awarded $12.7 million to 102 nonprofits nationwide, including some CTE institutions, to fund education and training initiatives designed to create safer workplaces. 

• Department of Labor Updated Resource on Rehabilitation and WIOA Youth Programs Collaboration: The Department of Labor updated a webcast series with an overview of the WIOA Youth and Vocational Rehabilitation programs to help state and local workforce leaders to collaborate and service youth with disabilities.