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ACTE Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month is celebrated each June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a pivotal event in the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. The Stonewall Uprising, which began on June 28, 1969, was a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQIA+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. This event ignited activism and led to the establishment of numerous LGBTQ+ rights organizations. The first Pride marches were held a year later, on June 28, 1970, in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall events. Over time, Pride events expanded from a single day to a month-long celebration that includes parades, workshops, and memorials for those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS. The aim is to celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities, promote equal rights, and foster community and solidarity among participants.

As we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, it's essential to recognize both the contributions and the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals including those affected by the 21st Century Act. This act does not recognize LGBTQIA+ individuals as a special population, it is well-documented that LGBTQIA+ students in CTE programs encounter significant barriers, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. These challenges highlight the need to create inclusive environments that support the success and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students and educators within CTE programs. Below are a few resources to support LGBTQIA+ initiatives and people within the CTE community.

AdvanceCTE & ACTE Supporting LGBTQ+ Learners in CTE

This brief provides an overview of definitions, strategies, reflection questions and resources to support LGBTQ+ learners in CTE. This brief is part of the Maximizing Access and Success for Special Populations in CTE series, a collection of briefs from Advance CTE and ACTE that will explore strategies for supporting each of the nine special populations as defined by Perkins V as well as the additional learner groups listed above.

The Safe Zone Project

Foundational curriculum recommended for all groups to introduce the core concepts of marginalized genders and sexualities.

Out & Equal

Global nonprofit organization working exclusively on LGBTQ+ workplace equality. By embracing inclusive practices and resources, we can create a future of CTE without limits for every learner. Inclusive environments not only support LGBTQ+ students but enrich the entire educational community. Let's continue championing inclusion, access, equity, and diversity in all aspects of education and beyond.

Embracing Freedom:

Celebrating Juneteenth in CTE

As we transition into the summer months, it's crucial to pause and acknowledge Juneteenth, a day of immense historical significance in the United States. Juneteenth, observed on June 19, marks the end of slavery in the United States. This year let's take a moment to delve deeper into this pivotal moment in history and its profound impact on our society and education. Understanding Juneteenth's historical significance is not just about knowledge, but about fostering a deeper appreciation for the journey towards equality and justice.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Emancipation Day, marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were free by President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued on January 1,1863, it took over two years for this news to reach the furthest corners of the Confederacy. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the long and ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Why Juneteenth Matters in CTE

Our CTE programs are dedicated to preparing students for success in a diverse and evolving workforce. Celebrating Juneteenth aligns with our commitment to inclusion, equity, access, and diversity. Understanding the history and significance of this day helps us appreciate the diverse backgrounds and experiences that our students and colleagues bring to the classroom and the workplace.

Incorporating Juneteenth in CTE Programs and Offices

1. Curriculum Integration: Educators can incorporate the history of Juneteenth into their curriculum, discussing its relevance to various career fields, such as law, social services, education, and beyond. This provides a broader context for students about the historical and socio-economic factors that shape our current landscape.

2. Guest Speakers and Workshops: Invite speakers who can provide insight into Juneteenth's historical significance and its impact on various professions. Workshops on diversity in the workplace, civil rights history, and social justice can enrich students' learning experiences.

3. Community Engagement: Partner with local organizations to participate in Juneteenth celebrations and events.

4. Student Projects: Encourage students to undertake projects that explore the significance of Juneteenth, such as research papers, presentations, or creative expressions like art and multimedia projects, to deepen their understanding and personal connection to the material.

Final Thoughts

Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education, and celebration. As we honor this significant day, let us also recommit to our mission of promoting equality and opportunity through education. Together, we can ensure that the lessons of the past inform a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

ACTE Impact Awards

The ACTE Impact Awards recognize groups and individuals from the education, business and industry communities who enhance career and technical education by contributing to the improvement, promotion, development and progress of CTE. Individuals or entities (from within or outside the field) that have contributed to the success and promotion of CTE, thereby positively impacting the image of CTE, are eligible recipients of these awards. While there is no membership eligibility restriction for applicants, all must be nominated by an ACTE

member. We actively encourage nominations from a diverse array of backgrounds and perspectives, recognizing that varied experiences enrich the CTE landscape.

Non-winning candidates may be re-nominated for the same or another Excellence Award the following year. Winning candidates at the national level may not be nominated for the same or another national ACTE Excellence Award within three years of their win.

Please feel free to review a blank application for the Business-Education Partnership Award and the Champion for CTE Award but be sure to apply via the awards portal here.

New Resources: Maximizing Access & Success for Special Populations and Underrepresented Learners in CTE

ACTE and Advance CTE are publishing a new series of joint publications that address how to support each of the nine Perkins V special populations and other underserved learner groups. The Maximizing Access & Success for Special Populations in CTE series features strategies, reflection questions and case studies for supporting each special population as well as other learner groups that have been a focus of state and local support. 

A companion webinar series will start this spring – stay tuned for more information!

New Resources: Diversifying the CTE Educator Workforce

ACTE and Advance CTE released a new report, State and Local Strategies for Diversifying the CTE Educator Workforce (full report and executive summary), that presents common challenges to diversifying the educator workforce, identifies promising practices in the field to overcome these challenges, and provides actionable strategies and recommendations to assist state and local CTE leaders in strategically planning and developing policies and practices to increase diversity in the CTE workforce. 

A companion resource, Recruiting Diverse Educators: A Database of Organizations Representing Underserved Populations, presents a contact list of organizations that serve minority populations, including industry professionals, learners, and current and future educators of color. The list offers a starting point for local, regional and state CTE leaders looking to develop the educator pipeline and recruit educators from under-represented populations to teach in CTE.

Unlock Career Success for Native learners

Educators are faced with an important task to reimagine how our nation’s high schools prepare all students to thrive in their future careers. Raise the Bar — a joint effort across the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Commerce — blurs the lines between high school, college and career. This program provides students with accelerated and innovative opportunities to earn college credits and gain real-world career experience. READ MORE

OCTAE Releases Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) on Advancing Gender Equity in CTE

The Office of Career Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) at the U.S. Department of Education has released a letter designed to share recent progress around gender equity within CTE programs and highlight areas of success. The Perkins Act continues to place a priority on encouraging students to pursue programs that lead to careers that are non-traditional for their gender, making this a critical issue for CTE leaders as well as the economy, as many fields are struggling with staffing shortages due to a lack of employment interest and retention among one gender. Click here to read more.

Research and Publications on IAED

This spring, we’ve shared a number of IAED-focused publications and resources through our Research Roundup blog series on the CTE Policy Watch blog:

• The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce recently published a report on the challenges and strengths of the workforce in small-town America. READ MORE
• The American Institutes for Research has released a report that quantifies the value that postsecondary institutions provide to students. Experts determined that community colleges hold a positive value for students. READ MORE
• The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce has published a report on recent trends and insights concerning degree attainment, value and inequity. Researchers ascertained that although postsecondary degree attainment increased by 6.7 percentage points from 2010 to 2020, gaps across racial and ethnic groups remained significant. READ MORE

Join the Ranks of Leadership by Becoming an Affinity Group Member Leader!

Are you passionate about fostering inclusivity, facilitating growth, and championing the interests of your peers? As an ACTE Affinity Group member leader, you will have the opportunity to do just that and more.

What’s Involved?

As an Affinity Group member leader for ACTE, you will be pivotal in coordinating and facilitating activities, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, and advocating for the interests of the Affinity Group members. ACTE Affinity Group leaders will organize networking events, mentoring opportunities, and discussions to promote their members' personal and professional growth. You will liaise between your group and the assigned ACTE staff member, communicating members' needs and concerns while contributing to the organization's overall objectives. This position requires active membership at the time of application and entails serving two-year terms, including submitting an annual report at ACTE's CareerTech VISION.

Groups You Could Lead

• Black CTE Professionals
• Hispanic CTE Professionals
• Asian CTE Professionals
• Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) CTE Professionals
• Young CTE Professionals (Under 40)
• CTE Professionals w/Disabilities
• LGBTQ+ CTE Professionals
• Women in CTE Leadership

Your Responsibilities

• Coordinating and facilitating virtual meetings for your assigned affinity group twice a month
• Planning an in-person event at VISION.
• Working with group members to determine meeting logistics and ensure active participation
• Fostering an environment of collaboration and inclusivity among the affinity group leadership and professionals
• Participating in mandatory training sessions or meetings as determined by ACTE
• Tracking attendance and participation, submitting required documentations promptly and sharing relevant resources with group members
• Promoting ACTE initiatives, especially those that align with the ACTE Affinity Group
• Utilizing technology effectively, including computers, virtual meeting platforms, email, and presentation tools
• Promoting leadership within the group and ACTE

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to comfortably plan and lead virtual meetings for up to 20 members twice a month
• Willingness to engage in professional development and collaborative learning.
• Ability to utilize technology and virtual platforms for meetings, group engagement, and sharing resources

Ready to Lead?

If you are ready to take on the challenge and make a meaningful impact within ACTE and beyond, we encourage you to apply for the role of Affinity Group member leader today. The deadline for applications is June 28.Together, let's empower each other and create a community where everyone can thrive!

For inquiries about the application, contact Candice Mott for more information. Click here to get started!

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