Washington, D.C. — Public interest in career and technical education (CTE) is surging, driven by mounting labor shortages in high-demand fields and anxieties over the future impact of artificial intelligence. Between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years, K-12 enrollment in CTE programs increased by 10 percent. Still, federal support remains in decline.
New analysis from the Center for American Progress examines existing barriers to CTE expansion, identifies key areas for policy solutions, and offers recommendations for how federal policymakers can modernize existing laws such as Perkins V to better support CTE across the country.
CAP’s report highlights the following findings, including three promising state-level case studies:
- Funding shortfalls. Despite growing interest in CTE, federal funding has failed to keep pace with inflation, causing a $230 million funding gap between what was appropriated in 2024 and what is needed to support current demand.
- Systemic barriers. States are facing other barriers to CTE advancement, including accessibility challenges, teacher shortages, and fragmented data systems.
- State blueprints for federal action:
- Pennsylvania. Increased CTE funding by nearly 50 percent to $65 million, growing enrollment to more than 62,000 students. The state is also expanding apprenticeships; recruiting CTE teachers; and aligning K-12, higher education, and workforce systems to streamline student pathways.
- Colorado. Enrolled nearly 50 percent of high school students in a CTE class during the 2024-25 school year while approving the launch of a workforce readiness tracker and integrated apprenticeships into CTE pathways.
- Washington. Improved high school and community college dual enrollment, while creating home health aide, apprenticeship, and health science grants to combat rural health care shortages.
“Career and technical education bridges the gap between academic learning and high-wage, real-world employment,” said Veronica Goodman, senior director for Workforce Development Policy at CAP and co-author of the report. “But our federal policy framework is falling behind the economy. To fully unlock these programs’ potential, Congress needs to reauthorize Perkins V, close the widening funding gap, and dismantle the structural silos dividing our education and workforce systems.”
“Students are eager for hands-on career training, but we cannot build a modern workforce while operating on an outdated education model,” said Weadé James, senior director for K-12 Education Policy at CAP and co-author of the report. “Congress must act to give our schools the tools they need to prepare students for a successful career trajectory.”
Read the report: “Career and Technical Education Policy: A Multistate Case Study on Employment and Outcomes” by Veronica Goodman and Weadé James
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Mishka Espey at [email protected].