Costello introduces bipartisan bill to strengthen career and technical education opportunities

Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA) on Wednesday would strengthen the ability of schools to provide career and technical education (CTE) that equips students with high-demand skills.

Costello and U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA), the co-chairs of the 21st Century Skills Caucus, introduced the Four C’s for Careers Act, H.R. 5663, to provide more opportunities for students to gain the skills required to succeed in today’s workforce.

“Equipping our students with effective skills to succeed in the global, competitive workforce is our focus, and that’s why this legislation is a top priority for us,” Costello said. “This legislation involves the active participation and feedback of the industries that need workers, and we have customized it to help future employees gain the skills necessary to be career-ready. We are very excited about it.”

The bill is named for the four C’s on which CTE providers should focus their curriculum – critical thinking, communications, collaboration and creativity. The measure would encourage students to make strategic connections with businesses in need of skilled workers to advance public-private partnerships in CTE.

The bill would also promote experimental learning opportunities that provide students with in-depth interaction with industry professionals while providing streamlined opportunities to earn needed credentials and certifications.

“This bill encourages investment in our students’ futures through blended learning programs, public-private partnerships, data-driven career planning, and an emphasis on critical thinking, communications, collaboration, and creativity” Loebsack said. “I am proud that my fellow co-chair of the 21st Century Skills Caucus, Rep. Ryan Costello, and I have introduced this bipartisan bill that will make positive changes to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to help close the skills gap.”