South Cuyahoga News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) introduced H.R. 7386, the Career and Technical Education Advocacy Grant Program Act, to increase awareness of career and technical education opportunities. This bill seeks to establish a grant program for career and technical education schools and facilities to advocate for the value of their training programs and increase public awareness. 

“Career and technical education programs empower students to explore exciting career options, discover their passions, and develop real-world skills that are in high demand,” said Congressman Miller. “Simply put, a 4-year degree is not right for everyone, and our young people should know that they can lead successful careers based on technical expertise. We cannot continue to diminish the role of career and technical education in this country. Increasing awareness of these programs will help build up the next generation of the American workforce.” 

“Supporting career and technical education is not just about investing in classrooms; it’s about investing in our future workforce. This bill will not only provide much-needed resources for CTE schools but will also highlight the benefits of these programs and showcase the success stories of our students, inspiring others to pursue these valuable career pathways,” said Steven Chrisman, Superintendent of the Medina County Career Center. 

“Now more than ever before, support for Career and Technical Education is crucial to not only its students but to the businesses who employ CTE graduates and the communities in which they live.  With employers facing critical shortages of skilled workers due to rising retirement rates, we need to shore up our labor supply with sufficient numbers of workers who have the necessary training to help our businesses remain strong.  The resources proposed in this legislation will promote the importance of Career and Technical Education as an honored career path that makes a true difference in our local and national economies,” said Bethany Dentler, Executive Director of the Medina County Economic Development Corporation. 

 “Empowering families with the necessary knowledge of career technical education and all that we offer, is vital to make informed decisions about the education of their child. It ensures that students have access to various pathways tailored to their interests and strengths, setting them on a path for career success,” said Robert Timmons, Superintendent of the Polaris Career Center Superintendent. 

 “Cuyahoga Community College’s commitment to career and technical education is a testament to its dedication to providing students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. By offering a wide range of career-focused programs centered on in-demand industries, including the emerging fields of smart manufacturing, robotics, electric vehicles, and 5G/Broadband, Tri-C ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s job market and contribute meaningfully to their communities.  We are happy to support CTE legislation to help us promote the value of a CTE education,” said Dr. Michael A. Baston, President of Cuyahoga Community College. 

“Current high school students have limited awareness of the breadth of careers available to them, especially those that may need certifications but not college degrees. MAGNET, which provides hands-on activities for students and adults to learn about manufacturing pathways, is tremendously supportive of Congressman Miller’s efforts to expand support for career and technical education and awareness.” said Ethan Karp, MAGNET’s President & CEO.

“Wayne County Schools Career Center would like to thank Congressman Miller for recognizing the importance of career-technical education and helping to garner support for CTE at the Federal level. Not only does career tech education provide students with valuable certifications, licensures, college credits, and marketable skills, it meets and exceeds the needs of the current and future workforce. Whether they plan to become enrolled, enlisted, or employed after graduation, career tech students in Ohio gain valuable interpersonal skills, hands-on experience, and leadership skills that set them apart from their peers, and leave them prepared to make a positive impact in their community after graduation. Through carefully fostered partnerships with the local community, business and industry, and other educational institutions, CTE schools are part of a critical network of support for high school and adult learners. Bringing awareness to these opportunities is essential for our economy and our state.” said Dr. Kip Crain, Wayne County Schools Career Center Superintendent.

Specifically, the Career and Technical Education Advocacy Grant Program Act would create a $1 million competitive grant program at the Department of Education to be distributed to public and private entities that offer career and technical education programs. The grants would be used to (a) support advocacy initiatives, (b) public awareness campaigns, and (c) outreach programs. 

The text of the bill can be found here.  

 Editor’s note regarding Congressman Miller: 

 Congressman Max Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District which includes Medina and Wayne counties as well as parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for which he is also Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. The Republican freshman members selected Miller as their representative to the Republican Steering Committee.  He is a member of the Republican Study Committee, Main Street Caucus, and the Congressional Jewish Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump. Please visit  http://maxmiller.house.gov  for more information.

Original source can be found here.