Kaine Reintroduces Middle Step Act To Create CTE Pilot Program In Middle Schools

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, co-chair of the Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, along with U.S. Senators Mark Warner, Barbara Boxer, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Bob Casey, introduced the Middle School Technical Education Program (Middle STEP) Act that would expose middle school students to CTE programs focused on career exploration. The Middle STEP Act would establish a pilot program that allows middle schools to partner with postsecondary institutions and local businesses to develop and implement CTE exploration programs that give students access to apprenticeships or project-based learning opportunities, which are traditionally not available to students until high school or postsecondary programs. Kaine introduced an earlier version of the legislation in the 113th Congress. Kaine's intention is to have the Middle STEP ACT included as an amendment to the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and is expected to be debated on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

"Middle school is an important time for students to be exposed to a wide range of career choices," said Kaine. "Instead of having students wait until high school to explore their own strengths, likes and dislikes, we should encourage students to take full advantage of CTE exploration that will educate them about coursework and training that matches their career interests.

"Expanding opportunities for career and technical education will prepare more students with the skills to succeed in the 21st century," said Warner. "Allowing young people more time to explore their options empowers them with more choices, sets them up for success in whatever path they choose, and ensures that America's future workforce is prepared to compete in a global economy. I'm proud to join Senator Kaine in this effort."

In addition to providing students with access to apprenticeships or project-based learning opportunities, middle school CTE programs funded through the Middle STEP Act would give students access to career guidance and academic counseling to help them understand the educational requirements for high-growth, in-demand career fields. Programs would help students draft a high school graduation plan that demonstrates what courses would prepare them for a given career. The programs must also provide a clear transition path from the introductory middle school program to a more narrow focus of CTE study in high school and must be accessible to students from economically disadvantaged, low-performing, and urban and rural communities.

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