WHEREAS, providing career and technical education prepares students to succeed academically and in careers in both established and emerging industries; and
WHEREAS, the mission of secondary career and technical education is to empower all students to be successful individuals, workers, and leaders in our global economy; and
WHEREAS, career and technical education programs help students become the skilled workers that employers need to perform the jobs of today and tomorrow; and
WHEREAS, career and technical education programs in North Carolina provide education for all students in areas like agriculture, business, career development, family consumer sciences, finance, health science, information technology, marketing and entrepreneurship, technology engineering and design, and trade and industrial education; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina Career and Technical Student Organizations such as DECA, Future Business Leaders of America, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Future Fanners of America, HOSA Future Health Professionals, SkillsUSA, and the Technology Student Association support the work of career and technical education programs to develop character, citizenship, leadership, and technical skills essential for students who are preparing for the workforce and further education; and
WHEREAS, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act passed by the United States Congress demonstrates the crucial mission of these initiatives to enhance student readiness for successful careers and strengthen North Carolina's workforce;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February, 2021, as “CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.