On the recordMay 14, 2012
today I am introducing the Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship Development Act to provide critically needed support to help expand entrepreneurship education programs for young adults. At a time when young adults ages 18 24 face an unemployment rate of approximately twice the national average, it is more important than ever to provide additional resources to help them start their own business. Young entrepreneurs need our help to give them the skills necessary to turn their passion into a successful career. The Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship Development Act provides support through small business development centers for high schools, technical schools, and nonprofit organizations serving young adults to develop and implement entrepreneurship education programs. Entrepreneurs who have access to business education programs are more likely to succeed, which often translates to jobs not only for them but for their communities as well. Small businesses are the engine of our economy and the ingenuity of young American entrepreneurs will continue to help drive our economic growth in the future. It is critical that we do everything possible to support our young entrepreneurs and harness their great ideas today that will turn into jobs tomorrow. I ask my colleagues to support job growth and the entrepreneurs who are the future of our economy by supporting this legislation. ______
