# Plain Language Summary: CTE Awareness Act

The CTE Awareness Act is designed to increase public knowledge about Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in schools. CTE programs teach students practical job skills in fields like healthcare, construction, information technology, automotive repair, and skilled trades—alongside their regular academic classes. Right now, many students and families don't know these programs exist or what they offer, so this bill aims to fix that problem by requiring schools and the federal government to do a better job promoting them.

Here's what the bill actually does: It directs the U.S. Department of Education to develop and distribute materials that explain CTE programs to students, parents, and school counselors. Schools would get resources to help them advertise these programs more effectively, making sure students know they're an option before they graduate. The bill also encourages states to include information about CTE opportunities in their career guidance efforts. Essentially, it's about making sure young people understand that they don't have to choose between college or nothing—they can learn a trade or technical skill that leads directly to good-paying jobs.

This matters because many students graduate without realizing skilled trades are in high demand and often pay well without requiring a four-year college degree. By raising awareness, the bill could help more students find career paths that actually match their interests and abilities, potentially reducing unemployment among young people and helping fill job shortages in industries that desperately need workers. For families, it means their kids get better information to make informed decisions about their futures.

CTE Awareness Act

Braun, Mike

CTE Awareness ActThis bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to disclose certain information related to career and technical education.Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Federal Student Aid within ED to publish on its public website information on (1) career and technical education programs, including average completion time, program cost, and postgraduation employment rate; and (2) opportunities in each state to pursue these programs and obtain Perkins funding.In addition, ED must include this information and a related acknowledgment signature box on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.