Career & Technical Education (CTE) goes far beyond welding and electrical work—it includes programs in health care, construction management, maritime specialties, and much more.

The U.S. Department of Education defines Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs as a sequence of courses that integrate core academic knowledge with technical and occupational skills to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers.

CTE prepares students for high-demand, high-paying careers. Many CTE programs lead directly to jobs earning $50,000-$100,000+ annually in fields like nursing, cybersecurity, aviation maintenance, and advanced manufacturing—often without requiring a four-year degree. As of February 2024, there were 8 million open positions in the labor market with only 6.5 million unemployed Americans, largely because employers can't find people with the needed skills.

Yes! CTE students can earn industry certifications and college credits that save families thousands of dollars and give students a head start on career or college paths.

80% of CTE concentrator students pursue higher education after high school. CTE provides practical skills and career clarity that make college more focused and affordable, not an either/or choice.

Programs now cover health sciences (30% of CTE certificates), computer programming, robotics, digital media, information technology (29% of high school graduates participate), business management, and much more—not just traditional trades.

There's a critical shortage of skilled workers across industries and all over the nation. CTE graduates often have multiple job offers before graduation, giving them real economic security. Research shows CTE participation is positively related to higher annual earnings.

CTE concentrators are 21-25 percentage points more likely to graduate high school on time than their peers. In states like Utah, CTE concentrators graduate at a 96.8% rate compared to the statewide average of 88.8%. In Oregon, 97.7% of students who completed CTE programs graduated. Hands-on, career-connected learning helps students see the purpose behind their education.

CTE provides a proven pathway to the middle class and beyond, especially for students who might not otherwise see clear opportunities after high school. Research shows CTE provides the greatest boost to boys and students from low-income families.