Career Technical Education (CTE) has come a long way in the last decade. CTE programs not only teach students real-world knowledge and skills, but increasingly provide opportunities for dual enrollment, industry-recognized credentials and meaningful work-based learning experiences. Yet, despite the many benefits of CTE – including a graduation rate for CTE students that is 93 percent, compared to a national average of 82 percent  – there are still challenges with limited awareness and outdated perceptions of CTE.  Enrollment in CTE programs has remained stagnant over the last decade while demand soars for skilled employees in today’s global economy. If we are to prepare all learners for success in the careers of their choice, more parents and students need to understand all that CTE has to offer them.  

 

Advance CTE, with support from the Siemens Foundation, commissioned focus groups and a national survey to explore the attitudes of parents and students currently involved in CTE, as well as prospective CTE parents and students, to better understand the promise and opportunity of CTE.  

 

Learn more about our initiative Strategies for Attracting Students to High-Quality CTE here.