The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education and the National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education were established at the University of Minnesota and The Ohio State University, respectively, in 1999. The centers operate as a consortium with primary and associate partners. Through the centers, the partners work collaboratively to study and improve the field of career and technical education (CTE). Consistent with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education's request for proposal (RFP) and the centers' proposals in response to that RFP, the centers have focused their programs of work in the following areas: accountability and program improvement; academic and vocational skills and knowledge; educational technology and distance learning methods; curriculum integration strategies; and professional development. During their first year of operation, the centers have conducted extensive research efforts in their major areas of focus and worked to make the information they collect available to CTE professionals and policymakers on the centers' Web sites and through various publications. The centers are also implementing programs designed to improve CTE professionals' leadership skills and assist them in translating research to practice. (A list of the centers' advisory councils members, a participant directory, and 17 endnotes are included.) (MN)