Whereas, Career and Technical Education (CTE) encompasses 94% of high school students and 8.4
million individuals seeking postsecondary certificates and associate degrees in CTE fields and programs, including registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Therefore, CTE paves the pathway for both K-12 and post-secondary students to launch stable, successful careers and achieve economic self-sufficiency in a wide variety of fields; and

Whereas, In the latest U.S. Department of Education Report to Congress, states have reported a modest reduction in the total number of secondary and postsecondary students enrolled in CTE courses. However, 95% of CTE students graduate high school, which is 10% higher than average; 78% of CTE graduates enroll in post-secondary education full-time; and 81% of high school dropouts say real-world skills education would have kept them in school; and

Whereas, The reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 2006 was signed into law on July 26, 2018. Perkins funding can cover up to 100% of CTE costs, including digital curriculum, thereby reducing student debt; and evidence indicates big returns on investment and economic benefits for state economies; therefore, be it

Whereas, That National PTA provide support to its constituent associations regarding recent changes in the scope and nature of career and technical education (CTE) programs, including registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, authorized by the Department of Education or other authorizing institution designated by statue; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA provide support to its constituent associations regarding recent changes in the scope and nature of career and technical education (CTE) programs, including registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, authorized by the Department of Education or other authorizing institution designated by statue; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA provide support to its constituent associations with respect to the benefits of CTE for students at all levels of academic achievement, as well as for the general public; and be it further

Resolved, That National PTA urge the United States Congress to increase funding for CTE programs, including registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, to provide for appropriate market-driven compensation for CTE instructors, flexibility in the expansion of career education pathways, and recruitment of a diverse population of program enrollees so that all individuals have the opportunity to access, fully participate in, and contribute to the national and state economic prosperity.

Adopted: by the 2021 Convention Delegates