Yesterday, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced the bipartisan Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act. The legislation encourages more Americans to pursue career and technical education (CTE) paths and to consider the financial obligations that come with a 4-year degree.
The bill will require the Department of Education to publish information on the Office of Federal Student Aid website regarding general CTE information, CTE programs in all 50 states, and Perkins funding. Additionally, the FAFSA application must include a one-page summary about CTE programs and how they are a viable alternative to a four-year degree and require applicants to sign an acknowledgment box before starting their FAFSA application.
“Success isn’t defined by having a college degree. We should steward all the forms of intelligence our kids can be born with, not just academic intelligence,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “This bipartisan legislation will help inform students about trade school opportunities so they can make the choice that is right for them and know their gifts and interests merit the same respect as academic pathways.”
Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez operated an auto repair and machine shop before coming to Congress. She has prioritized legislation to build the trades workforce of the future, supported full funding for Perkins grants that support state CTE programs, and is working to extend CTE opportunities to 6th grade students.
Full text of the bill is available here.
The lawmakers previously introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress.