Final answer:
The act of Congress that encouraged and supported vocational education was the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965.
Step-by-step explanation:
The act of Congress that encouraged and supported vocational education was the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, also known as the Johnson Administration's War on Poverty. This act provided funding to schools for learning materials, including textbooks and library resources, and created educational programs for disadvantaged children. It aimed to improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for all students, including vocational education.
By allocating more than $1 billion, the ESEA supported the purchase of books and library materials, along with the creation of educational programs for disadvantaged children. This funding helped establish and expand vocational education programs in schools, providing students with practical skills and knowledge for future careers.