IL HR0071

Designates February 2021 as Career and Technical Education Month in Illinois to celebrate CTE programs across the state.

Recognizes approximately 398,000 students enrolled in CTE programs in Illinois that provide instruction in high-wage, high-skill occupations including business, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and education.

Acknowledges CTE programs provide academic and technical coursework leading to college credits and industry-recognized credentials with pathways to postsecondary education and employment.

Emphasizes CTE's role in economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities and supporting workforce demand with work-based learning.

Marks the 104th anniversary of the Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act of 1917, the first major federal investment in Career and Technical Education.