H.R. 7676: Career-Connected Learning Pathways Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Career-Connected Learning Pathways Act of 2026, proposes amendments to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. Its main aim is to enhance career and technical education (CTE) by allowing states to develop comprehensive directories that detail various CTE programs and career pathways. Here are the key components of the bill:

Establishment of State Directories

The bill mandates states to create and maintain a searchable public directory of career and technical education programs and career pathways. This directory is intended to provide:

• Information about each program and pathway, including a description and the credentials available upon completion.
• Search capabilities based on several criteria:
  • The specific school district or political division where the program is located.
  • The industry or career cluster associated with the program.
  • The credential that participants can earn upon completing the program.
• Use of standard, open, linked, and interoperable data formats for easy access and integration.
• Regular updates to the directory at least once per school year.

Information Sharing Requirements

The bill also aims to improve the information sharing process related to CTE programs. It adds requirements for eligible agencies (like state education departments) to provide detailed information about each program, including:

• The name and description of the program.
• The school district or political division offering the program.
• The specific industry or career cluster that the program prepares students for.
• A sequence of courses included in the program.
• Opportunities for dual or concurrent enrollment, along with any recognized postsecondary credentials available.
• Names of affiliated postsecondary institutions, local workforce development boards, or industry partnerships.
• Work-based learning opportunities tied to the program.
• Evidence showing how the program aligns with current or projected labor market needs.

Purpose of the Bill

The overall goal of the Career-Connected Learning Pathways Act is to improve access to information regarding career and technical education programs, enabling students, educators, and employers to make better-informed decisions. By streamlining access to this information, the bill seeks to create stronger connections between education and workforce development.

Relevant Companies

None found