Access to and Equity in Rigorous Career and Technical Education Programs: Trends, Issues, and Future Directions in the Field

Abstract

The changing workforce, the increasing importance of postsecondary education, the national emphasis on STEM occupations, and the disparities of populations to gain access and equity to postsecondary education and high-wage, highdemand, and high-skilled jobs are all challenges warranting attention for practitioners, school stakeholders, scholars, and policymakers in career and technical education (CTE). The purpose of this article is to describe the historical nature of CTE leading up to current trends and issues in the field. Additionally, I discuss future directions for the field. My discussion is based on the changing mission of CTE and related challenges regarding access and equity issues as the field evolves to prepare all students to attain postsecondary degrees and to compete for high-demand, high-wage, and high-skilled occupations.