Today, President Obama released his proposed budget for FY14, which includes a number of proposals that would affect Career Technical Education (CTE). Traditionally, the President’s budget is released in February. The delayed release, due in large part to sequestration debates, may limit its impact given that the House and Senate have already passed their versions of the budget.

The FY14 budget proposal calls a $71.2 billion investment in the Department of Education, a 4.5 percent or $3.1 billion increase over the FY13 pre-sequester level. Comprehensive details on the Department of Education’s proposal can be found here:

Below are key elements of the budget proposal that would impact CTE:

$1.1 Billion for Perkins: The budget calls for adoption of the administration’s Investing in America’s Future: A Blueprint for Transforming Career and Technical Education that was introduced in April 2013 and to return Carl D. Perkins Career Technical Education Act (Perkins) state grant funding to FY13 pre-sequester levels or $1.123 billion.  National Programs are recommended for a $10 million increase to $17.8 million.

$300 Million for New High School Redesign: Highlighted in the 2013 State of the Union speech, the President’s budget proposal calls for competitive college and career readiness grant program to districts that partner with employers (including business, industry, non-profits and community-based organizations) and post secondary institutions. Grants could be used to redesign high schools so that students are better prepared for college and career success. Funds could be used to support:

1. college credit earned through dual enrollment, Advanced Placement courses and other post secondary learning opportunities
2. career-related experiences or competencies obtained through organized internships and mentorships, structured work-based learning or other related experiences.

$42 Million for Dual Enrollment: This funding would be for demonstration and evaluation of dual enrollment programs by making grants to establish or expand dual enrollment programs aligned to career pathways and local workforce needs.  The program would support opportunities for both high school and adult students to earn college credits while enrolled in high school or a GED program.

$4 Billion for Community Colleges: Beginning in FY15, the budget calls for $ 4 billion in mandatory spending for a Community College to Career Fund that would support training programs and activities that prepare individuals for jobs in high-growth and high-demand sectors. An additional $4 billion would be authorized under the Department of Labor and the program would be jointly administered by both Federal agencies.

In addition, the budget proposal calls for:

•  $1 billion for a Race to the Top competitive fund for higher education focusing on affordability and completion;
• $3 billion for competitive grants focused on increasing the effectiveness of teachers and principals;
• $1.3 billion for 21st Century Community Learning Centers;
• $215 million for the i3 (Investing in Innovation);
• $85 million for state longitudinal data systems; and
• $265 million for STEM programs.

Tomorrow, we’ll provide you with a summary of relevant details from the Department of Labor FY14 budget proposal.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 10th, 2013 at 4:24 pm and is filed under Legislation, Public Policy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.