FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 14, 2019
CONTACT:
Stuart Malec (Langevin) – (401) 486-6007
Taylor McCarty (Thompson) – (202) 225-5121
Langevin, Thompson Introduce Bill to Strengthen Career Counseling in Middle and High Schools
Bipartisan legislation would provide federal funding for states to develop career counseling frameworks
WASHINGTON – Today, in recognition of National Career Development Week, Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, introduced the Counseling for Career Choice Act, bipartisan legislation that would make new investments in school counseling to better prepare students for educational and career opportunities.
“Career counselors provide critical guidance to students and help ensure they are on track for future success,” said Congressman Langevin. “Career counselors are most effective when they are up-to-speed on the latest information on workforce development programs and trends in the local job market. My bipartisan bill with Congressman Thompson will leverage input from local educators, businesses, and community leaders to build and improve statewide career counseling frameworks, ensuring school counselors have the resources and training they need to help their students succeed.”
“Empowering students with the tools to succeed starts with making well informed decisions, “ said Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. “With effective counseling, we can help close our nation’s skills gap and put learners of all ages in the driver’s seat of their own futures.”
The Counseling for Career Choice Act amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to provide grants to states to implement statewide career counseling frameworks that are developed in coordination with community stakeholders, including schools and local businesses. It is supported by the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Advance CTE, the American School Counselors Association, and the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers.
“Informed career choice is vital to the success of students. The availability of career development services throughout the educational experience plays a critical role in that process,” said Dr. Kathy Evans, President of the National Career Development Association. “NCDA commends the efforts of this Act which will provide comprehensive support for students to make inspiring career choices and empower their lives.”
“School counselors and guidance and career development professionals play a critical role in the career and technical education system,” said LeAnn Wilson, Executive Director of the Association for Career and Technical Education. “We know that students trust these professionals to help them make informed decisions and plan for their futures, and these grants will help strengthen these critical student services. ACTE is pleased to endorse the bill and is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Langevin and Thompson.”
States will use Counseling for Career Choice Act grant funds to carry out the following activities: