I’m Brianna McCain and I’m so excited to join Advance CTE as the new Policy Associate! I’ll be helping to advance and support Advance CTE’s state policy and implementation strategy through developing resources, maintaining the Learning that Works Resource Center, and tracking state and federal legislation.

My interest in education and workforce development began after interning at Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS) in New York City, where I assisted with efforts to develop a job readiness program for commercially sexually exploited youth. My experience there taught me about how education intersects with other social issues and the role that education plays in promoting economic mobility. I then went on to get my Masters of Social Work (MSW) at the Brown School at Washington University in Saint Louis to learn more about social and economic development. While at the Brown School, I specialized in policy and helped to develop a strategic policy plan for a nonprofit. Before coming to Advance CTE, I worked at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM), where I supported low-income clients and engaged in policy work related to access and equity.

I became interested in Career Technical Education (CTE) after learning about the critical role that it plays in promoting economic mobility. As I began to learn more about CTE and the role it can play in promoting equitable outcomes, I saw the potential for how high-quality CTE could be leveraged to address inequities and prepare all learners for a successful future. I am excited to advocate for CTE because I view it as a key component to promoting economic mobility and ensuring that all learners have the skills and experience they need to obtain a meaningful career in the future.  

Brianna McCain, Policy Associate