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INVEST IN CTE
Protect strong Perkins funding and public investment that gives districts the people, equipment and flexibility required to build relevant programs.
501(c)(3) NONPROFIT
CTE NEEDS MORE THAN APPLAUSE. IT NEEDS INVESTMENT.
WASHINGTON, D.C. · ADVOCATING FOR PERKINS FUNDING
ADVOCACY GROUNDED IN THE WORK
Activate CTE brings educator experience, student voices and industry partners into the conversations shaping CTE funding, policy and opportunity.
WHAT WE ADVOCATE FOR
POLICY SHOULD STRENGTHEN THE PEOPLE DOING THE WORK.
Advocacy is not abstract. Funding decisions, employer participation and inclusive program design determine what educators can sustain and what students can access.
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SHARE RESPONSIBILITY
Move industry from the edge of the conversation into active partnership with educators, programs and students before graduation.
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DESIGN FOR BELONGING
Include students and educators with disabilities in the decisions shaping leadership, access and opportunity across CTE.
LISTENStart with educators doing the work.
ELEVATEBring student experience into the room.
CONVENEConnect schools, employers and partners.
ADVOCATETurn lived experience into action.
INDUSTRY AT THE TABLE
WORKFORCE READINESS ISN’T A SCHOOL-ONLY RESPONSIBILITY.
Districts cannot prepare students for careers in isolation. The strongest CTE programs are built when employers contribute current expertise, mentorship, work-based learning and real opportunities before graduation.
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SHARE WHAT IS CHANGINGHelp educators understand current tools, skills and workplace expectations.
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CREATE REAL ACCESSOffer mentorship, jobsite exposure and work-based learning.
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STAY INVOLVEDBuild relationships before the hiring need becomes urgent.
AN ACTIVATE CTE INITIATIVELOCALIZED
STUDENTS · BUSINESSES · REAL COMMUNITY WORK
THE COMMUNITY BECOMES THE CLASSROOM.
Localized helps communities connect students with local businesses through structured internship programming and real project work in marketing and event production. Students build portfolios, professional confidence and local relationships while businesses take an active role in developing the talent around them.
MARKETINGCampaigns, content and community outreach tied to real business needs.
EVENT PRODUCTIONPlanning, logistics and guest experience developed through live projects.
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPStructured roles that give businesses a meaningful way to participate.
LEADERSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IS NOT ABOUT “OVERCOMING.” IT’S ABOUT NAVIGATING. IT’S ABOUT STAYING. IT’S ABOUT SHOWING UP ANYWAY.COOPER KIAS · PAST SKILLSUSA NATIONAL OFFICER
REPRESENTATION CHANGES THE CONVERSATION
THE PEOPLE MOST AFFECTED SHOULD BE IN THE ROOM.
Programs and policies work better when students and educators are not simply discussed, but heard. Activate CTE elevates lived experience so access and inclusion become part of how CTE is designed.
READ COOPER’S PERSPECTIVE →DISTRICTS · EMPLOYERS · ASSOCIATIONS
BRING US TO THE TABLE.
Whether you are shaping a program, convening employers or advocating for stronger CTE investment, Activate CTE can help connect the people who need to be part of the conversation.
START A CONVERSATION →CTE + ESPORTS NETWORK
BUILD CTE. GROW ESPORTS. STAY CONNECTED.
Join a national network of CTE educators, advisors, esports leaders and industry partners. Get practical professional learning, fresh ideas and opportunities that help students find where they belong.