Langevin Introduces Counseling for Career Choice Act

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, today introduced the Counseling for Career Choice Act, legislation that would support comprehensive career counseling programs in high schools nationwide. Langevin reintroduced this bill along with his fellow CTE Caucus co-chair, Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson of Pennsylvania. The two sponsored similar legislation in the 113th Congress.

“Our economy is rebounding and many Rhode Island employers are looking to hire, but if we want to support continued economic growth and keep jobs here, we must ensure that our workforce is properly trained for the jobs that are available now and will grow in the future,” said Congressman Langevin. “Our state and our nation are facing a critical skills gap, and to close that gulf, we need to educate young people on all of the available pathways to a rewarding career.”

“Every student has a unique set of skills and interests, and need to be aware of their options,” said Congressman Thompson. “Ensuring that students and families are well informed, will assist them in making the best decisions about their futures, and will go a long way in helping to bridge our nation’s skills gap.”

The Counseling for Career Choice Act would ensure that high school students are made fully aware of their career and education options prior to graduation. Under the legislation, grants would be used by states or Local Education Agencies to assess current counseling programs and create new counseling frameworks. The bill also provides professional development to counselors to ensure they are able to offer students a comprehensive understanding of current workforce trends and post-secondary opportunities, including non-degree certificate programs, internships, apprenticeships, and two- and four-year degree programs.

“There is no single right answer for our young people, and pushing them down a path that does not build upon their strengths is a disservice,” Langevin continued. “School counselors are being asked to continually do more with less, but if we want to truly serve our students, we must invest in professional development for counselors and strengthen the connection between school districts and the demands of the workforce.”

The Counseling for Career Choice Act has the support of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).

“This legislation takes an important step by providing guidance and career counselors with the necessary labor market and educational opportunity information to create a plan for all students to graduate with the skills they need to pursue their career goals. By equipping counselors with these tools, we can ensure that every student graduates college- and career-ready,” said LeAnn Wilson, ACTE executive director.

“The Counseling for Career Choice Act would put a much-needed emphasis on professional development and additional resources for middle and high school counselors, which would help them meet students’ career development needs more effectively,” said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D., ASCA executive director. “ASCA thanks Rep. Langevin and Rep. Thompson for their leadership on this important issue.”