Last week, the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing titled From Classroom to Career: Strengthening Skills Pathways Through CTE. Witnesses included: Dr. Deb Volzer, Vice President, Workforce Development, SME; Kristi Rice, Cybersecurity Teacher, Spotsylvania County Public Schools; Braden Goetz, Senior Policy Advisor, Center on Education & Labor; and Nicole Gasper, CEO, West Michigan Aviation Academy. In his opening remarks, Subcommittee Chair Kevin Kiley (R-CA) dispelled the idea that every student should attend a traditional college, emphasizing that college doesn’t meet the needs of many young people or the economy. He contended that while college should remain accessible, career and technical education (CTE) offers an equally valuable path toward success. Once undervalued, CTE is now recognized for preparing students for a skills-driven economy through hands-on learning in fields like engineering, health care, and trades. With employers facing millions of unfilled jobs due to skill shortages, presenters emphasized that expanding and modernizing CTE is essential for producing career-ready graduates and strengthening the nation’s economic competitiveness. Each of those giving testimony provided examples of how their programs actively lead to success in the workplace. Mr. Goetz raised the controversial and partisan issue about the recent decision to move CTE programs from within the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to Labor. Specifically, he cited that such a move will inhibit ongoing and needed cross-collaboration between CTE experts and special education experts whose work together helps states and districts improve access to youth and young adults with disabilities.