- Americans and young people want more practical learning from their K?12 schools.
- Federal, state, and local policymakers; K?12 stakeholders; and community leaders are listening―and responding by creating practical learning programs and others like them in record numbers. For example, federal spending from the Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship more than doubled from $90 million in 2016 to $185 million in 2021.1
- If we truly value practical education, such a career education framework is essential. This approach would ensure that young people can explore many career options through in- and out-of-school activities.