The American Chemical Society applauds bipartisan Career and Technical Education Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2018 — The American Chemical Society (ACS) offers its thanks to Congress and the administration for passage of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The bill, which reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act benefitting all 50 states with almost $1.3 billion in programming and grants, is a testament to the benefits of compromise and community engagement.

CTE programs are an effective tool for improving student outcomes and help prepare both secondary and postsecondary students with the necessary academic, technical and employability skills required for successful entry into the workforce. The legislation will help better align these programs with the needs of state and local industry by encouraging coordination between two- and four-year institutions, state and local industries to better meet workforce needs. ACS was encouraged to see lawmakers’ support for in-depth professional development with emphasis on apprenticeship and work-study programs.

“Well-educated scientists and engineers drive the technology development that allows the U.S. to maintain its competitive edge in the global marketplace and improve the well-being of citizens worldwide,” says ACS Executive Director and CEO Thomas Connelly Jr., Ph.D. “Preparing students with the skills necessary to use evolving technology will require improvements at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics — or STEM — education.”

The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.