Alabama’s commitment to career and technical education earned national recognition this month as the Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education (Alabama ACTE) received top honors from the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) for exceptional membership growth during fiscal year 2025.

ACTE recognized Alabama ACTE for welcoming the largest number of new national members in the country and achieving the highest percentage growth in new national membership. Over the past year, Alabama ACTE added 723 new national members, increasing total national membership to 1,029 and marking a 349% increase in new members.

The achievement was recognized during the State Association Leadership Breakfast held in conjunction with ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025 conference in December, where state associations were honored for growth and service to career and technical education professionals nationwide.

The national Membership Awards highlight state associations that demonstrate strong engagement, growth and support for educators and professionals working in career and technical education. Each year, ACTE evaluates state affiliates based on new member growth, percentage increases and retention across the fiscal year.

Alabama ACTE’s performance reflects the growing emphasis placed on workforce development and skills-based education across the state, where career tech programs are viewed as a key pipeline for preparing students for high-demand careers and post-secondary success. The organization’s mission centers on strengthening career and technical education while improving access and quality for students statewide.

ACTE is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing career and technical education, representing educators, administrators, counselors and researchers while providing advocacy, professional development and leadership opportunities at the national level.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].