Rep. Thompson Questions Sec. McMahon on Career and Technical Education Funding

Commitment to Career and Technical Education (CTE)

• 💡 Representative Glenn Thompson highlights his long-standing support for Career and Technical Education (CTE) as co-chair of the bipartisan CTE caucus.
• 🚀 He notes the success and growth of CTE programs since the Strengthen Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act was signed into law in 2018, with nearly 12.5 million students nationwide now participating.
• ✅ Students in CTE pathways demonstrate high graduation rates (96%) and are more likely to be employed full-time with higher earnings post-graduation.

Concerns Over Data Evaluation and Policy

• ⚠️ Thompson expresses concern about the department's decision to cancel the national evaluation of career and technical education under Perkins, which was mandated by law.
• 📊 He stresses the importance of data for evidence-based policymaking and legislative decisions, especially as Congress prepares to reauthorize Perkins.
• ❓ He questions how the department plans to maintain a national evaluation infrastructure and preserve nearly five years of collected data with a potential change in methodology.

Proposed Budget Limitations on CTE Funds

• 🎯 The administration's FY2026 budget proposes prioritizing CTE grants to exclusively support middle and high school students at the district level.
• 🏛️ This proposal contradicts current law, which grants states flexibility in allocating CTE resources between secondary and post-secondary systems.
• 🎓 Thompson asks Secretary McMahon to explain the rationale behind limiting CTE funds to K-12, given that post-secondary CTE programs offer valuable pathways for learners of all ages, including apprenticeships and other post-secondary options.