From speaking out in Sunday school to reciting Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, Johnelle Simpson II was born a leader and public speaker. But the thought never crossed his mind that he could turn his childhood experience into a fulfilling career. That was before a teacher and student counselor at Seminole County Middle School and High School encouraged Johnelle to pursue the school’s career and technical education (CTE) program and its Future Business Leaders of America chapter.
Johnelle flourished, explaining that his experiences “made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t do if I put my mind to it.” Johnelle recently graduated from the University of Georgia and currently serves as a Great Promise Partnership Coordinator for the Clarke County School District in Georgia. But he isn’t the only one to find a better way through career and technical education.
CTE helped Jasmine Morgan realize her dream of becoming a sports marketing specialist. It encouraged Alex Wolff to pursue a successful career in electrical engineering. It led Rob Griffin to become a project manager at one of the nation’s leading steel fabricators. And it helped Paul Tse achieve what he describes as the “American Dream.”
Introduced by Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Katherine Clark (D-MA) and approved unanimously by the committee, the bipartisan bill will help more Americans acquire the tools they need to succeed in the workplace by:
Empowering state and local community leaders;
Improving alignment with in-demand jobs;
Increasing transparency and accountability; and
Ensuring a limited federal role.
By enacting H.R. 5587, Congress can help more students like Johnelle and many others gain the skills and hands-on experience they need to realize their dreams. That’s why the legislation is an important part of House Republicans’ A Better Way agenda. It’s a critical piece of a broader effort to help more men and women achieve a lifetime of success.
