[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 106 (Thursday, July 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF TWO VOCATIONAL EDUCATION BILLS, THE PUBLIC PRIVATE 
 VOCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP ACT AND THE EXCELLENCE IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION 
                                  ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD W. POMBO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2003

  Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce two bills promoting public-
private partnerships in the interest of improving vocational education.
  Vocational education is an extremely important component of secondary 
education for millions of students. It is too often neglected at the 
state level and does not receive adequate funding or attention.
  Many students do not go onto an undergraduate university for their 
post-secondary education. Only about 40% of high school students who 
pursue post secondary education enroll in a baccalaureate (college) 
program. One third (over 5 million people) enroll in a vocational 
education (sub-baccalaureate) program.
  We should acknowledge that not everyone chooses to go to an academic 
four year university. For many of these students, our current 
educational system is failing them.
  There are many good paying jobs available to students interested in 
vocational training, but not enough students are being prepared for 
these types of jobs.
  However, we do have the ability to encourage more schools and their 
students to participate in vocational education. We can leverage the 
involvement of the private sector. We can get businesses involved with 
the education of the skilled workers of tomorrow by helping them train 
the students of today. To accomplish this I am introducing two 
vocational education bills today.
  The first bill, the Public Private Vocational Partnership Act, 
establishes a tax credit for companies that donate equipment and other 
resources that can be used for vocational training. It also establishes 
a tax credit for the hiring of full time students who want to work as 
interns in fields relating to vocational education.
  The second bill, the Excellence in Vocational Education Act, creates 
a new competitive grant program where schools can seek out federal 
funding to match private sector contributions for vocational education 
projects. The goal is to increase students' participation and 
achievement in vocational education. The money will also be used to 
strengthen teachers' understanding of, and competency in, vocational 
education and practical application of it.
  Both bills will encourage schools and the private sector to work 
together to give students practical training for quality jobs.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting these important 
proposals.

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