WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

2/23/26 Volume 4, Edition 26

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.

"Your story starts here and ends WORKFORCE READY"

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

cte month.mp4

Amber Renee Boyd, Executive Director of Workforce Development

Mara Girona-Dodd, Administrative Director CTEC/CTE

Michael Hilton - Principal, CTEC

Greetings CTEC Stakeholders,

As we approach the final stretch of February, we remain focused on providing meaningful learning experiences, strengthening partnerships, and preparing our students for success in high-demand career pathways. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward with purpose and momentum.

As we near the end of February, Industry-Based Credential (IBC) testing is ramping up across multiple pathways. This is a critical time of year, and our focus within classrooms, labs, and instructional settings should reflect the urgency and importance of credential attainment. Let’s ensure that preparation, review, and skill reinforcement are aligned with our students’ certification goals.

As always, we continue to answer our Superintendent’s challenge to “DARE TO BE GREAT.” At CTEC, greatness is demonstrated through preparation, perseverance, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we will maintain high expectations, support one another, and ensure our students are fully prepared to succeed.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and dedication to the mission 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!

Career Pathway Cards.pdf

DATES TO REMEMBER

February 2026

CTEC

25: YEA BR Visit to CTEC
26: (FT) Glasgow Middle

JROTC

- 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

CTE Month

What Is CTE Month?

CTE Month is an observation of the value and importance of career and technical education as a whole.

While it has been around for a long time, in recent years, it’s become clear that CTE makes a huge difference in ensuring students are excited, qualified, and successful in a wide variety of professions.

But CTE Month isn’t just about celebrating these educational programs as a whole. More specifically, CTE Month celebrates the 16 career clusters that encompass CTE as a program. Even if your school only offers some of these clusters, each offers incredible opportunities for learners that are more than worthy of a celebration!

This is important because American public schools have traditionally pushed post-secondary education as the primary way for students to become successful in adulthood.

But that’s simply not true!

CTE focuses on hard skills, career readiness, and learning a skilled profession. Success is less based on learners’ conceptual understanding of a topic (though it’s still important) and more on their advancement as skilled workers.

CTE Month brings these qualities to the forefront of everyone’s mind each year. It shows students that they don’t have to be in a traditional classroom to be considered successful students, and that every student can learn valuable skills from work-based learning (WBL).

https://www.icevonline.com/blog/what-is-cte-month

TELL A FRIEND ABOUT CTEC

Click here for more information about CTEC

Program Summary and Pathway Offerings

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

Student Experience

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.

ARE YOU FOLLOWING US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM?

Workforce Development Instagram

CTEC Facebook

Workforce Development Facebook

CTEC awarded ADF Grant for PK Playhouse at Melrose

Progress on the playhouse continues. Follow us weekly to see how it's coming along.

Tara High School College & Career Day Field Trip

What's Happening Around the Center...

CTE Around the District

Foundation for EBRSS Features CTEC (CTE Month)

February is Career and Technical Education Month!

Career and Technical Education plays an important role in shaping the future of our students, businesses, and community. The EBR Career & Technical Education Center - CTEC with EBR Schools provides students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences that connect education to meaningful career pathways.

Through CTEC, students gain practical skills and confidence for their future careers. Local businesses have the opportunity to mentor and train future employees while helping strengthen and retain talent right here in Baton Rouge.

For our community, CTEC supports workforce development, encourages student retention and graduation, and helps build a skilled, job-ready workforce that drives economic growth across East Baton Rouge Parish.

Let’s work together to build a stronger workforce. Interested in internships or sponsoring programs? Reach out to info@foundationebr.org. We’d love to hear from you! #FoundationEBRSS

Shout OUT Dr. Stovall - Co-Keynote Speaker

We’re excited to announce our co-keynote speakers for the BRAYN 2026 Conference:

Dr. Ni’Shawn L. Stovall
Nicole D. Scott

Together, Dr. Stovall and Nicole Scott will speak at the 2026 BRAYN conference by sharing how school-based systems and community-based organizations can work in partnership to strengthen workforce readiness and create meaningful, sustainable employment pathways for teens across our region. Their co-keynote will ground the day in real-world practice, collaboration, and community-centered solutions for youth employment.

Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979477370100?aff=oddtdtcreator

ExxonMobil 2026 Star STEM Teachers

We are excited to announce our 2026 Star #STEM teachers!

In collaboration with Foundation for EBRSS and EBR Schools, these 9 outstanding educators were selected to receive up to $2,500 to bring STEM projects to life in their classrooms. We're proud to continue to support the growth of STEM education in our community.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we'll be sharing the projects they’re bringing to life in their classrooms!

Young Professionals Society of Westdale Middle

We loved welcoming the Young Professionals Society of Westdale Middle to our dealership!

Our sales consultant, Wendell Pearson, had a great time showing the students the many opportunities the automotive industry has to offer. From sales to service to finance and accounting, they got a firsthand look at how it all comes together. To top it off, the students jumped into a friendly social media competition and created their own ads — and they did an amazing job!

Thank you for spending the day with us and letting us be a small part of inspiring the next generation! Westdale Middle School

LDOE Spotlight on Mr. Nwafor!

Congratulations Mr. Nwafor!

We are proud to celebrate Mr. Kendrick Nwafor, CTEC’s Information Technology and Networking Instructor, for being highlighted in the Louisiana Department of Education’s February 2026 Teacher Leader Newsletter.

In the feature, Mr. Nwafor shares his passion for computer science education, his commitment to aligning instruction with the Louisiana K–12 Student Standards for Computer Science, and his dedication to providing students with hands-on learning, dual enrollment opportunities, industry partnerships, and industry-based credentials. He also highlights his role on the East Baton Rouge Parish Computer Science Implementation Team, helping ensure that statewide standards are implemented with rigor, relevance, and real-world alignment.

Mr. Nwafor’s recognition at the state level reflects the innovation and excellence happening daily at CTEC. We are incredibly proud of his leadership in expanding access to high-quality computer science education and preparing students for success in today’s technology-driven world.

Congratulations, Mr. Nwafor, on this well-deserved acknowledgment!

LSU Ag Center Summer Internship Opportunity

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.

Internship Overview:

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

https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1681407871291

JA Trades Event Coming March 25, 2026

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!

Now Open - STEM Scholarship Opportunity for High-Achieving Young Women

Emmy Noether Awards

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.

College Readiness Around the District

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.

DATA DIVE

⭐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

CTEC & TRANSPORTATION

Click the Bus to Register and Get Your Bus Route

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.

Instagram

Facebook

Pathway Commercials

MediaComputer Commericial.mp4

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Medical_Commercial .mp4

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

Culinary.mp4

CULINARY DEPARTMENT

CTEC Video - HD 1080p.mov

How Cool is CTEC?

http://www.domain-dsgn.com/case-study/ebr-ctec/

EBR Workforce Development Overview.pdf

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.

_____________________

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.

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