3/16/26 Volume 4, Edition 29

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.

Last night we held our first Parent Information Meeting for the Workforce Development Internship Opportunity for rising seniors. We are excited to move forward as we finalize recruitment and will begin job placements for this summer later this spring. If you have a current junior (rising senior) who is interested in our Learn and Earn Internship Opportunity, we encourage them to take advantage of this chance to gain real-world experience while earning.

Apply now and don’t miss this opportunity! If you know a current 11th grader who may be interested, please encourage them to submit their application today.

EBR Workforce Development - 26-27 Internship Student Page 

High school students from across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System participated in We Work the Waterways on March 11 — a maritime and logistics workforce development experience designed to introduce students to career opportunities within the industry. Students connected directly with professionals from maritime, logistics, and shipping companies and participated in hands-on demonstrations showcasing the skills and technology used in the field.

For many students, this was their first exposure to the maritime industry and an opportunity to learn about the important role it plays in our economy and global supply chains. With our community located along the Mississippi River, experiences like this help students see the many maritime and logistics careers available right in their own backyard. Events like We Work the Waterways support workforce development by helping students explore exciting career pathways and gain insight into careers in the maritime and logistics sectors.

#WeWorkTheWaterways #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureReady #CareerExploration #MaritimeCareers #EBRSchools

Six students from the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, representing Baton Rouge High, Liberty High, Northeast High, and Woodlawn High, recently took the stage to present their business ideas at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) Community Pitch Night. During the event, each student delivered a three-minute pitch to members of the community and a panel of judges, showcasing the innovative companies they have been developing through the program. Experiences like this highlight the importance of workforce development, giving students real-world opportunities to build entrepreneurial, communication, and business skills. 

This year’s top winners were Hasan Abbas (Baton Rouge High) and Aisha Abbasova (Woodlawn High), who will go on to represent Baton Rouge in a national pitch competition in the coming months. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by all six students and look forward to seeing their continued success as they grow their businesses and pursue their future goals.

Cadets from across the district demonstrated outstanding knowledge, leadership, and professionalism during the Annual LET 1 Board Competition. Each cadet appeared before the board in uniform and answered questions that tested their JROTC knowledge and leadership skills.

🏆 Top 3 Finishers

🥇 1st Place: C/PVT Manel Ihssene — Liberty Magnet High School (Score: 346)

🥈 2nd Place: C/PVT Dekyrion Guinn — Northeast High School (Score: 309)

🥉 3rd Place: C/PFC Jade Sims — McKinley Senior High School (Score: 302)

👏 Full Results

4️⃣ C/PFC Ever Mejia — Broadmoor High School (299)

5️⃣ C/PVT Mackaele Thomas — Scotlandville High School (294)

6️⃣ C/PVT Gabrielle Bennett — Glen Oaks High School (291)

7️⃣ C/PVT Yajaira Gissell Antunez-Sanchez — Belaire High School (289)

8️⃣ C/CPL Amaria Evans — Woodlawn High School (276)

9️⃣ C/SGT Markaila Brown — Tara High School (271)

👏 Congratulations to all cadets who participated. Your dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence reflect the core values of the JROTC program.

Students interested in agriculture and animal science are invited to participate in two exciting upcoming events at Southern University.

The first event, SU Ag Day on the Bluff, will take place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the F.G. Clark Activity Center on the SUBR campus. In celebration of National Agriculture Day, students will explore interactive agriculture booths, STEM activities, gardening stations, career exploration opportunities, and live demonstrations. 

The second event, Vet Explore 2026, will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the M.A. Edmond Arena & Multipurpose Building. This hands-on program allows students interested in veterinary science and animal care to learn about animal nutrition, participate in demonstrations, and hear directly from veterinary professionals.

These events provide valuable opportunities for students and families to explore careers in agriculture, veterinary science, and related fields while gaining hands-on learning experiences.

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!

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Nu Gamma Omega Chapter is pleased to offer a scholarship opportunity for eligible high school girls in East Baton Rouge Parish. This initiative reflects the organization’s continued commitment to supporting academic excellence and empowering young women within our community. Students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to support their educational goals.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Ashlyn Harrison at (225) 302-0591 or Mrs. Leta Holmes at (337) 250-1793.

We appreciate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for investing in the future of our students and helping expand opportunities for success.