Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) has published an opinion piece in The Bakersfield Californian, focusing on the importance of educational choice and expanding career pathways for students. In his op-ed, Fong outlines his support for policies that give parents more options in selecting schools and highlights efforts to prepare students for jobs in skilled trades.
Fong points to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as a key legislative effort aimed at empowering parents and broadening opportunities in skilled trade education. He notes the act’s introduction of a federal tax credit scholarship program, which allows individuals and businesses to receive up to $1,700 per year in tax credits for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations. These funds will help families earning up to 300% of the area median income access scholarships for private, religious, charter, or homeschool education.
“As more families take advantage of flexible educational spending, the demand for high-performing school models naturally rises,” Fong writes. He adds that Central Valley students already benefit from a variety of schooling options, including traditional public schools, charter schools, private institutions, and homeschooling.
Fong also emphasizes the role of charter schools: “Charter schools, in particular, have emerged as models of excellence by pioneering innovative approaches and creating student-centered learning experiences tailored to individual needs. Our local charter schools throughout Kern, Tulare, Kings and Fresno counties are proving what’s possible when innovation is paired with high expectations. These schools enhance our Central Valley educational systems by offering families additional pathways to success.”
He references a recent announcement from the Trump Administration’s Department of Education regarding an increase in funding for the Charter Schools Program. The budget was raised by $60 million to reach $500 million for fiscal year 2025. This funding aims to support new charter school competitions and promote sharing best practices from successful models across communities.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also expands 529 education savings accounts beyond college expenses; they can now be used for K–12 materials, homeschooling resources, dual-enrollment courses, and trade certifications. According to Fong: “This ensures students are not only prepared for college but also ready to step directly into the workforce.”
Additional provisions include streamlining Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and allocating $33 million in new grants for Charter Management Organizations.
Highlighting workforce needs, Fong cites Forbes projections that over three million skilled trade jobs could remain unfilled by 2028 (https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2023/06/27/how-to-attract-gen-z-to-skilled-trades-jobs/?sh=7a28d6b86d44). He argues that supporting skilled career pathways is essential: “If we want to keep America strong, we must help the next generation see the value in these skilled career pathways.”
To address this issue locally, Fong announces he will host the district’s first Skilled Trades Fair on September 13 at Associated Builders and Contractors in Bakersfield. The event will provide high school students with opportunities to explore careers such as carpentry and electrical work while connecting them with potential employers.
“My goal is to show students how classroom learning translates into real-world careers,” he states. “Together, we can inspire bright young minds, build a stronger workforce pipeline, and grow our local economy.”
Fong concludes by reaffirming his commitment: “From local initiatives to national policy, our focus must remain on empowering families and expanding opportunity. Every parent deserves a voice in their child’s education, and every student deserves the chance to pursue a pathway that leads to their own individual success.”
He further adds: “The Central Valley has always embodied the ingenuity that defined America’s 20th-century leadership. By giving families real educational choice and preparing students to succeed, we can honor that legacy… I will continue to champion policies that give every student the chance to thrive on the path that is right for them.”
