3/02/26 Volume 4, Edition 27

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

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.

Glasgow Middle - February 26, 2026

Dana Schlotterer of YEA Baton Rouge visited CTEC to introduce many of our TECs to the amzing opportunity to join YEA BR and launch their veryown business with support and mentoring. "YEA BR gives high school students the tools, confidence, and support to transform their ideas into businesses. Through in-person classes at LSU’s Business Education Complex, mentorship from top Baton Rouge business leaders, and hands-on learning, students step into the role of CEO—before they’ve even graduated." 

The Workforce Development Department launched the first session of Senior Super Saturdays — an intensive workshop series designed to help seniors earn Advanced Industry-Based Credentials (IBCs) or complete IBC Bundles before graduation. 87 seniors across seven host sites are participating in focused instruction and certification prep in high-demand areas, including:

• CIW Web Foundations Associate (3-certification bundle)

• Customer Service

• Business of Retail

• Phlebotomy

Students are earning high-wage, high-demand credentials at CTEC and various high schools, building the skills they need to enter the workforce with confidence. Sessions will continue each Saturday through March 21, providing targeted support to ensure students graduate workforce-ready and credentialed for success.

#SeniorSuperSaturdays #WorkforceReady #CTEC #CareerReady #IBCs #FutureFocused

Elementary, middle, and high school students from several EBR schools recently participated in Southern University’s Ag Experience Day on Wednesday, February 25. Students engaged in interactive learning as they encountered live animals, explored hands-on agricultural demonstrations, and connected directly with agriculture professionals.

Experiences like this ignite curiosity, build career awareness, and strengthen the connection between classroom learning and real-world opportunities. We are excited to see the growing interest in agriculture programs across our district and proud of our students for embracing hands-on learning in such meaningful ways!

The Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition continues to make a strong impact through meaningful partnerships and financial literacy initiatives across the region. Following a productive statewide partners meeting, the coalition partnered with Capital Area United Way to host its signature Real Life Financial Simulation at LSU, providing students with hands-on experiences in budgeting, decision-making, and real-world financial planning.

Special thanks to volunteer partners including the LSU Ag Center, Eagle FCU, East Baton Rouge Mayor’s Office, Red River Bank, United Community Bank, and Neighbor FCU for supporting this engaging event.

Looking ahead, the coalition will participate in Super Saturday Tax Day at the Main Library in Baton Rouge and will facilitate another financial simulation on March 4 for high school students in the DEMCO Youth Ambassador Program. This initiative will be led by volunteers from Red River Bank and the East Baton Rouge Parish School System CTEC team. These collaborative efforts continue to equip students with the financial knowledge and skills needed for lifelong success.

Students interested in attending ABC Pelican this fall are invited to the ABC Open House on March 12 from 5:00–6:30 PM. Come learn about training opportunities, career pathways, and how to get started! 

• Reminder: Students as young as 16 years old can enroll in ABC afternoon/evening classes with parent/guardian permission.

• Save the Date: The High School Craft Competition will take place on April 22. Guidebooks and additional details will be shared soon.

Don’t miss these great opportunities to build your future in the skilled trades!

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!