John Chafee: “yesterday the Senate adopted a substitute version of the School-To-Work Opportunities Act, S. 1361. This is a positive…”

“yesterday the Senate adopted a substitute version of the School-To-Work Opportunities Act, S. 1361. This is a positive step in our efforts to develop a national strategy to train noncollege bound students in the job skills needed to keep America competitive. It is good news for our young people, who need the skills and training to market themselves in this tight economy. Moreover, it is good for industry, which is struggling with a skills gap that is hampering its competitive posture in the global marketplace. The School-To-Work Opportunities Act would establish a program of grants to States and to eligible private partnerships to implement school-to-work programs. The legislation emphasizes the need for active employer involvement in the training of our young people through the establishment of partnerships between educational and business interests. To be successful, a strong training program must include school-based learning, work-based learning and connecting activities that bring the two experiences together. S. 1361 takes a needed step in this direction by providing Federal guidance and direction to the States--not mandates.”