Why CTE?

Through CTE, students gain technical, academic and employability skills in areas like communication and problem solving, earn credit and credentials, apply their learning in the real world, and explore careers while planning for their futures.

CTE Works for Students and Families

• CTE programs are academically rigorous and aligned to college and career readiness standards, with 97% of CTE students graduating high school (U.S. Department of Education).
• Students who take CTE courses are more likely to attend a two-year college and equally likely as their peers to attend a four-year college (CTE Research Network).
• CTE is positively linked to postsecondary persistence and degree attainment and leads to higher employment rates after high school (Urban Institute).

CTE Works for Employers and Communities

• The nation faces a projected deficit of 6 million workers by 2032 in health care, utilities and other CTE-related industries (Lightcast).
• 93% of U.S. employers recruiting from CTE programs find those programs beneficial to their bottom line (Advance CTE).
• CTE programs contribute significantly to the economies of states and local communities (ACTE).