White House honors career, technical education scholars

This week, President Obama announced that the 52^nd class of U.S. Presidential Scholars will include 20 recipients for outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in career and technical education (CTE) fields. Last year, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, co-chair of the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus, led a successful, bipartisan effort to expand the Presidential Scholars program to include CTE. This year marks the first time the prestigious recognition will be awarded to students in CTE fields.

“Congratulations to the inaugural class of CTE Presidential Scholars. Your scholarship and achievements in technical fields demonstrate that CTE programs will continue to play a critical role in educating tomorrow’s workforce,” said Kaine. “Through my work in the Senate I’ve tried to dispel the notion that CTE is a less desirable pathway than a traditional four-year degree, and the President’s decision to grant CTE students one of the most prestigious awards in the country sends that message loud and clear.”

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored almost 7,000 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in D.C. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.