Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would expand K-12 career counseling services.
The Counseling for Career Choice Act would provide additional resources focused on dual enrollment programs, financial literacy, financing for college or other postsecondary education, internships, and registered apprenticeships.
“Empowering students with the tools to succeed starts with making well-informed decisions,” U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), who co-introduced the bill, said. “By equipping school counselors with the resources and training they need, we can help close our nation’s skills gap and put learners of all ages in the driver’s seat of their futures.”
Thompson introduced the bill with Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). The Congress members are co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus.
The Advance CTE, the American Counseling Association, the American School Counselors Association, the Association for Career and Technical Education, the National Association of Workforce Boards, the National Career Development Association, and the School Superintendents Association endorse the bill.
“Informed career advising is essential for learners of all backgrounds to navigate postsecondary and career success, including opportunities to participate in Career Technical Education,” Kate Kreamer, Executive Director for Advance CTE, said. “The Counseling for Career Choice Act would greatly expand the career development and navigation supports offered through the federal investment in well-rounded educational experiences.”