The Association for Career and Technical Education Research (ACTER) (formerly AVERA) was organized in 1966. It is a professional association for scholars and others with research interests in the relationship between education and work. Through participation in the ACTER members have the opportunity to collaborate on research projects of vital interest to the profession, present research findings to national audiences, and receive recognition for service and scholarship in career and technical education.

The purposes of ACTER are to:

• To stimulate research and development activities related to career and technical education.


• To stimulate the development of train programs designed to prepare persons for responsibilities in research in career and technical education.


• To foster cooperative effort in research and development activities within the total program of career and technical education.
• To facilitate the dissemination of research findings and the diffusion of knowledge