WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
2/16/26 Volume 4, Edition 25
EBR Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) is a regional training provider for high school students in high demand, high paying jobs in the Capital Region. CTEC provides rigorous, project-based instruction, Industry Based Credentials (IBC), and dual enrollment opportunities that can be used towards an Associate Degree while in high school.
The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) provides students with unique opportunities to explore specialized career pathways not available at their home schools. CTEC equips students with the skills and experiences needed for success in high-demand industries and post-secondary education by offering hands-on training, industry-aligned certifications, and innovative learning environments.
CTEC is available to students interested in pathways not offered at home school sites.
We’re excited to welcome all our students, staff, and instructors back for another incredible year of hands-on learning and career exploration! Whether you're returning to continue your journey or stepping into our labs and classrooms for the first time, we’re proud to have you as part of our CTE family.
We look forward to new opportunities to grow your skills, connect with industry professionals, and prepare for a successful future in your chosen field — whether it's healthcare, technology, trades, or beyond.
Let’s work together, stay focused, and make this year your most impactful one yet!
Here’s to a safe, productive, and inspiring year at the Center!
Amber Renee Boyd
Amber Renee Boyd, Executive Director of Workforce Development
Mara Girona-Dodd, Administrative Director CTEC/CTE
Michael Hilton - Principal, CTEC
Greetings CTEC Stakeholders,
As we continue through the month of February, we are excited about the upcoming events that highlight student leadership, career exploration, and strong partnerships across CTEC and JROTC. Thank you for your continued support as we provide meaningful experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and life.
Please remember that there will be no school on Monday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 17, as the state celebrates the Mardi Gras Holiday. We encourage everyone to enjoy the extended weekend, celebrate responsibly, and remain safe.
As we move forward, we continue to answer our Superintendent’s challenge to “DARE TO BE GREAT.” At CTEC, greatness is reflected in our commitment to excellence, our willingness to seize opportunities, and our dedication to supporting one another. Together, we will continue to raise expectations and create pathways that empower students to succeed.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of CTEC.
EBR Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC): Arts, AV Technology, & Communication (TV & Film) | Architecture & Construction | Health Sciences (EMT, CNA/Pre LPN, Patient Care, Certified Medical Assist) | Hospitality & Tourism (ProStart) | Information Technology (Computer Networking or Programing) | Manufacturing (HVAC, NCCER Electrical, NCCER Instrumentation, Process Technology Oil & Gas) | Transportation (Automotive Technician)
Engaging students in career development to ensure they graduate WORKFORCE READY!
February 2026
CTEC
19: Belfair Montessori Magnet School Interactive Career Expo
25: YEA BR Visit to CTEC
26: (FT) Glasgow Middle
JROTC
15: JLAB Bowl 2 Competition (School Location)
16-17: Mardi Gras Break (School District Closed)
19: LET 2 Board Winner (Cadet Pledge) - Central Office
21: LA State Rifle Marksmanship Meet - Zachary HS
21: LSU Pershing Rifle Drill Meet (LSU Campus)
23-27: BDE Chiefs & DAI JROTC Workshop (Fort Knox, KY)
26: Archery Competition (Belaire HS)
28: Drill Meet (Leesville HS) - Leesville, LA
EBR Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC): Arts, AV Technology, & Communication (TV & Film) | Architecture & Construction | Health Sciences (EMT, CNA/PreLPN, Patient Care, Certified Medical Assist) | Hospitality & Tourism (ProStart) | Information Technology (Computer Networking or Programing) | Manufacturing (HVAC, NCCER Electrical, NCCER Instrumentation, Process Technology Oil & Gas) | Transportation (Automotive Technician)
Engaging students in career development to ensure they graduate WORKFORCE READY!
Available programs include:
Culinary Arts
Media Arts
NCCER Instrumentation & Process Technology (Oil and Gas)
NCCER Electrical
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Carpentry
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Medical Assistant
Patient Care Technician
Pre-Licensed Practical Nurse (Pre-LPN)
Computer Networking
Computer Programming
Automotive Technology
NEW: ABC Pelican Partnership Off Site (Welding, Millwright, Pipefitting, Evening NCCER Electrical Classes)
NEW: Pre-Apprenticeship Off Site with Iron Workers Local 623 Union
Students enrolled in CTEC remain registered at their home high schools but attend CTEC for half a day every other day. This arrangement allows them to benefit from specialized training while maintaining their connection to their home school.
CTEC is designed to provide comprehensive career and technical education that aligns with regional industry needs, promotes equitable access to career pathways, and enhances both student outcomes and local economic development.
Northeast MS and HS Visits CTEC - 02/10/2026
Progress on the playhouse continues. Follow us weekly to see how it's coming along.
McKinley High School
Driven to Success
Huge thank you to Terwin Gibson and Dustyn Stephens from Team Honda for pouring into our Auto Tech students during Career Day at McKinley High! From sales to service, our Panthers are learning the business behind the wheel.
February is Financial Aid Awareness Month!
LOSFA's programs are available for new and returning students. In addition to federal and institutional aid, Louisiana students have access to many state funds, including but not limited to:
TOPS/TOPS Tech
Geaux Teach Scholarship Program
M.J. Foster Promise Program
Go Grant, and many more!
Visit https://mylosfa.la.gov/students-parents/scholarships-grants/ for more information. #FinAidFeb
LOSFA
A massive question during your college search is, can you afford this school?
You can utilize different types of aid to help pay for college. Visit https://mylosfa.la.gov/students-parents/scholarships-grants/ for more information about scholarships and grants. #FinAidFeb
Great work last night, YEA BR students! We loved watching your first rounds of pitch practice and seeing those ideas start to take shape.
A big thank you to DiGiulio Brothers Italian Cafe for fueling our future CEOs with dinner—and to our students for taking early ideas and turning them into confident pitches.
Last week, CTEC proudly hosted the Louisiana Department of Education’s Computer Science Regional Implementation Tour, bringing together school and system leaders to prepare for the full implementation of the Louisiana K-12 Computer Science Education Plan and the K-12 Louisiana Student Standards for Computer Science.
In addition to exploring the new standards, analyzing statewide and local data, and reviewing implementation models and best practices, participants engaged in a powerful panel discussion led by three of our own leaders:
Dr. Kristin Antoine Morse, EBR Curriculum Supervisor for Science & District STEM Coordinator
Dr. Corie Buras, Administrative Director of Workforce Development in EBR
Kendrick Nwafor, Computer Science Teacher at CTEC
The panel provided valuable insights into district-level strategy, workforce alignment, and classroom implementation, offering practical guidance to leaders preparing for the 2026–2027 school year changes. We are proud that CTEC continues to serve as a regional hub for innovation, leadership, and forward-thinking computer science education.
We are proud to celebrate Chelsea Johnson of Northdale Superintendent Academy for being selected as a 2025 CHS/CoBank Foundation Classroom Grant recipient!
Her innovative project, “Hydroponics in the Classroom: Exploring Multiple Systems to Grow Agriculture Literacy,” earned one of only 40 grants nationwide out of nearly 240 applications. This $500.48 grant will support hands-on learning and inspire students through real-world agricultural education.
We can’t wait to see the impact this project will have on students and our community. Way to grow the future, Chelsea! 🌱👏
#Congratulations #GrantRecipient #Hydroponics #AgEducation #StudentSuccess #NorthdalePride
Rising juniors and seniors can get industry experience (and a head start on their futures!) by participating in ExxonMobil's eight-week High School Internship Program. Through the program, students can explore careers as electricians, instrument technicians, machinists, pipefitters, welders, analyzer technicians, laboratory technicians, engineers and more – all while working 40-hour weeks and earning a competitive wage. The program started in 2021 with six students and has grown significantly each year.
Each student has an employee mentor and is receiving hands-on training in addition to working on an intensive technical project throughout the summer. Beyond career exploration, the program includes volunteering, resume building, interview skills, presentation skills and contractor site visits.
Application Deadline = February 15, 2026
Are you a current or rising junior, senior or grad student interested in working in LSU AgCenter Cooperative Extension? Spend your summer learning how to plan and conduct extension programs by working alongside our educators at a parish Extension office.
Twenty (20) positions available throughout Louisiana
Students enrolled in Agriculture & Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Extension Education, or a related field are encouraged to apply Interns earn $15/hour for 8-10 weeks, not to exceed 400 hours
Interns must submit an application and will go through an interview process
Interns will complete a project, report and video highlighting their experience
Interns may work with their advisor for college credit for the internship
The JA Trades Event is scheduled for March 25 at ABC Pelican. This hands-on career exploration experience will connect students directly with industry professionals and skilled trade pathways.
SPEMA will serve as the test school for this event, bringing 60 students to participate. While healthcare partners were unavailable for this session, the event will feature strong industry representation aligned with SPEMA’s pathways—providing students with meaningful exposure to real-world careers.
We look forward to a productive day of learning, networking, and workforce exploration!
Applications are now open for the Emmy Noether Awards, a STEM merit-based scholarship program for qualifying female high school seniors in Louisiana and Mississippi who plan to pursue research-focused STEM degrees and careers.
Established in 2017 by the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, the Emmy Noether Awards recognize academically exceptional young women with strong aptitude in mathematics, science, and research. The award honors Emmy Noether, a pioneering mathematician whose work fundamentally shaped modern mathematics and theoretical physics.
Award Overview
· Gold Medalist: Up to $75,000 for qualified graduate-level programs
· Two Silver Medalists: $25,000 each for qualified graduate-level programs
· Awards are distributed over a three-year period following undergraduate completion
· Up to 10 additional applicants may be selected as Emmy Noether Scholars, each receiving a $2,000 undergraduate scholarship and access to mentorship, internships, and networking opportunities
· Awards Luncheon: June 5, 2025 | Lafayette, Louisiana
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
· Be female
· Be a current high school senior
· Reside in Louisiana or Mississippi
· Intend to pursue a research-based graduate degree and career in a STEM field
· Have a 28 or higher ACT score
Application Information
· Application Window: January 12 – March 30 (closes at Noon)
· Application Link: https://www.thebrownfoundation.org/emmy-noether-award.html
We respectfully request your partnership in helping us reach eligible students through your networks, programs, and outreach efforts. Please feel free to share the attached flyer, application link, or program details with students and families who may benefit from this opportunity.
Capitol High's Medical Focus Showcase
In lieu of a traditional Black History program, this year’s showcase will highlight health disparities and mental health within the African American community.
The official time and location will be announced within the next week.
Tara High School is excited to announce its upcoming College & Career Fair, taking place on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event will bring together colleges, universities, training programs, military branches, and industry partners to help students explore pathways for life after high school.
CTEC is excited to share an outstanding opportunity for middle-grade students across our community—the CEF You Be the Solution Challenge, a free and engaging STEM competition designed for 5th–8th graders.
This team-based challenge (3–4 students per team) invites participants to:
Compete in the Regional Challenge by answering timed STEM questions using provided study materials.
Create an innovative video solution to address a real-world community problem.
Advance to the National Challenge, where combined scores determine top state performers and the five National Finalists who will compete for scholarships.
The Challenge fully supports educators with access to comprehensive resources before, during, and after the competition—including study guides, timelines, recruitment tools, instructional support, performance insights, and video feedback.
Registration opens in October, with Regional Challenges beginning in January.
The challenge cycle is starting now, and educators can join the mailing list by scanning the QR code on the flyer to stay updated.
Designed to make STEM fun, meaningful, and inspiring, the You Be the Solution Challenge helps students develop teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills—while igniting their passion for future STEM careers.
⭐Enrollment increased for 3rd consecutive year
⭐94% Dual Enrollment passage rate at CTEC
⭐Increase in Community Outreach, Career Field Trips, and Recruitment Events
⭐Increase in Industry-Based Credentials Earned
Remember, your story starts here and ends Workforce Ready!
- Join CTEC
Pay Your School Fee $25
School Fee $25 (get your CTEC sweatshirt or t-shirt with a copy of your receipt.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
CULINARY DEPARTMENT
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (WFD) OVERVIEW:
The Workforce Development Department consists of Career and Technical Education, Work-Based Learned Programs (Internship), the Career and Technical Education Center, and JROTC programs across the district.
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (WFD) GOALS:
Goal 1: Ensure that all high schools and the Career Center have fully developed and implemented course progressions aligned with LDOE College and Career Pathways, with a focus on increasing the attainment of Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs).
Goal 2: Increase student participation in Work-Based Learning experiences, such as internships, and grow business partnerships that align with district goals.
Goal 3: Deliver curriculum support and professional development to CTE, Innovative Programs, and JROTC teachers across the district to increase instructional effectiveness, student achievement, align opportunities for Industry-Based Certification (IBC) attainment, and promote college and career readiness.