This resource highlights innovative practices—aligned to the ACTE Framework— that CTE educators nationwide are using to improve middle and high school students’ career knowledge and promote access and equity in CTE. It addresses three root causes of inequity connected to career development: (1) youth and families’ misunderstanding of the benefits of CTE; (2) systemic barriers to student participation and persistence; and (3) a lack of career knowledge and planning information to motivate student engagement.
Each root case section features linked resources and resource summaries to support the meeting specific challenges. Comprehensive K-12 career development services that promote broad access to CTE help students learn about their workforce options, gain advanced academic and technical skills, and get a head start in acquiring the credentials employers value. Prioritizing access and equity in career development services also can increase the CTE participation of historically underrepresented youth, which can contribute to expanding and diversifying the American workforce.
