The National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) announced April 17 that Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) is the winner of its Congressional Star of Education Award for his leadership, vision and dedication to Career Technical Education (CTE).
“Senator Kaine is a vocal advocate, passionate spokesperson and true champion for Career Technical Education,” NASDCTEc Executive Director Kimberly Green said. “From the very beginning of his tenure in the United States Senate, and even in his previous role as Governor of Virginia, he has sought to educate others on the value CTE has for students, employers and our country. The entire community is grateful for all he has done and continues to do to build support for and advance high-quality CTE.”
“I am truly honored to receive this award,” Sen. Kaine said. “NASDCTEc and I share a common belief that strengthening CTE programs can open up job opportunities for young people and prepare our students for a 21st century workforce. I am proud to have co-founded the Senate CTE Caucus and introduced the Middle STEP Act last Congress, and I will continue to advocate for stronger federal commitment to CTE through the Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, the Career Ready Act and other policies aimed at developing career readiness in this Congress. I take this award as encouragement to persevere until every child in America has access to high-quality career technical education.”
Sen. Kaine is a founding member and current co-Chair of the Senate CTE Caucus, has supported the federal investment to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, raised awareness and understanding of CTE via Congressional briefings and events, and introduced legislation aimed at strengthening and expanding CTE throughout the country.
Sen. Kaine also addressed attendees at the 2015 K-12 STEM Symposium.
