On July 31, 2018, President Trump signed into law a bipartisan bill that supports the work of states to prepare students of all ages for career success through career and technical education (CTE) programs. The new law, known as the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, is the long-awaited update of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2019, and boosts the nation's commitment to CTE programs. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) offers states and local education agencies increased opportunities to create strong systems of college and career pathways for their students. In this brief, Jobs for the Future (JFF) offers practical recommendations to help state policymakers leverage the new law to better prepare all students for future success. [This brief was published as part of Pathways to Prosperity, a joint initiative of JFF and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.]