The Council on Occupational Education (COE) convened Commissioners, staff, and representatives from COE member institutions for its 2026 Day on the Hill, held on June 1, 2026, in conjunction with the Council’s June Commission and Committee Meetings in Washington, D.C.

For the first time, COE extended participation in its Capitol Hill engagement efforts to member institutions, providing an expanded opportunity for institutional leaders to join Commissioners in direct conversations with congressional offices. Representatives from eleven member institutions participated in this year’s event and joined COE leadership in highlighting the impact of workforce-focused education and sharing institutional perspectives on key issues shaping career and technical education nationwide.

Conversations centered on several high-priority topics impacting the postsecondary workforce education landscape, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Workforce Pell, return on investment (earnings premium test), efforts to combat financial fraud in higher education, and strategies to strengthen student achievement and workforce outcomes.

Throughout these conversations, Commissioners and institutional representatives shared the value and impact of COE-accredited institutions in preparing students for high-demand careers, supporting employer needs, and contributing to local and national economic growth. Institutions highlighted measurable outcomes demonstrating how occupational education programs are expanding access, improving completion pathways, and aligning training with evolving labor market demands.

“Events like COE’s Day on the Hill are an important opportunity to bring forward the real experiences of our member institutions and the students they serve. Across the country, these institutions are focused on delivering high-quality workforce education that meets employer needs and produces meaningful outcomes for learners. These conversations help elevate both the successes and the challenges our members encounter, ensuring that their perspectives and concerns are part of broader discussions about the future of workforce education and student success,” remarked Dr. Susan Wright, Chief of Staff for the Council on Occupational Education.

The 2026 Day on the Hill marked a significant milestone for COE, strengthening collaboration between Commissioners and member institutions and broadening participation in federal engagement conversations. The inclusion of institutional representatives enhanced the depth and perspective of discussions and reinforced the collective voice of the COE community.

COE extends its sincere appreciation to all Commissioners and institutional representatives who participated in this year’s event. Their contributions helped ensure that the perspectives of career and technical education providers were clearly represented and effectively communicated throughout each engagement.

As workforce needs continue to evolve, COE remains committed to fostering meaningful dialogue with policymakers and supporting institutional excellence in occupational education that drives student achievement, economic mobility, and workforce readiness.