Buckeye Reporter

Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) has introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at increasing awareness of career and technical education (CTE) as an alternative to traditional college pathways. The legislation, known as the Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act, has a companion bill in the House of Representatives introduced by Reps. Roger Williams (R-Texas) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.).

“Helping Ohioans become career-ready and secure high-paying jobs has been a focus of mine for decades.Career tech programs provide an affordable way for students to join the workforce and help employers fill skilled, in-demand jobs. My bill would equip students with knowledge about all the options that could help them build successful careers faster,” said Husted.

Williams commented on the Senate introduction: “I want to thank Senator Husted for introducing the Senate companion to my bill, the Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act. This crucial piece of legislation allows students to grasp a fuller picture of their post-high school options by highlighting the value of Career and Technical Education alongside traditional college paths. By expanding awareness of CTE programs, we’re helping our nation’s youth make informed choices and strengthening our skilled workforce for the future.”

If enacted, the bill would require the Department of Education to inform prospective college students about CTE opportunities before they begin financial aid applications. Students would need to sign an acknowledgement indicating they have received information about these alternatives.

Career and technical education combines academic instruction with technical skills training targeted at occupations that are in demand and offer competitive wages.

The proposal continues Husted’s ongoing efforts related to workforce development in Ohio. Earlier this year, he played a role in passing Workforce Pell Grants into law, which allow short-term job training programs that meet quality standards to qualify for federal financial aid.

A full version of the bill is available online.