WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
3/30/26 Volume 4, Edition 31
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 close out the month of March, we are proud to highlight several exciting events that showcase our students’ talents, leadership, and real-world career readiness. Thank you for your continued support as we provide meaningful opportunities that prepare our students for success beyond the classroom.
The LEAP testing window opens this week, marking a critical time for our students to demonstrate their learning and growth. Additionally, Spring Break begins Friday, April 3, and runs through Friday, April 10. When we return, students will resume on an A-Day schedule.
As we move through this final stretch of the school year, summer is quickly approaching. Let’s remain focused, sharpen our attention to detail, and ensure we are maximizing every opportunity to support student success and achievement. As always, we continue to embrace our Superintendent’s challenge to “DARE TO BE GREAT.” Greatness is demonstrated through preparation, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence in all that we do. Together, we will finish strong and ensure our students are fully prepared for what lies ahead. 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!
March 2026
CTEC
30: Restaurant Takeover Training Day (CTEC Culinary)
31: Restaurant Takeover Day (CTEC Culinary)
31: (FT) EBR Readiness (Rosenwald)
JROTC
28: EBR Cadet Challenge Competition (Broadmoor HS, BR)
April 2026
CTEC
01: Guest Speaker (Nwafor/Edwards)
03: Good Friday (9, 10, 11 Month Employees and Students Off)
6-10: Spine Break (9, 10, 11 Month Employees and Students Off)
17: Yearly LCI Tour
21: Medical Field Trip to Ochsner New Orleans
29: EmployBR Job Fair (9am-1pm at the River Center)
JROTC
12: JROTC Award Ceremony (Liberty HS)
16: Glen Oaks HS (Pledge)
16-19: National Raider Team Championship (Fort Knox, KY)
In honor of America's 250th birthday, participate in Keep Louisiana Beautiful's 5th annual Love the Boot Week, the state's largest litter removal and beautification initiative.
SIGN UP AT LOVETHEBOOT.ORG
WAYS to Love the Boot
Register a litter cleanup or beautification event.
Volunteer to help locally.
Share on social media how you #LovetheBoot.
Donate to Love the Boot Week to support local cleanup efforts.
Info@KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org (958)778-0067
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.
Progress on the playhouse continues. Follow us weekly to see how it's coming along.
Careers in Industry Day was an outstanding success, providing students with meaningful opportunities to connect directly with industry leaders across high-demand, high-wage career sectors. Through engaging conversations, hands-on interactions, and real-world insights, students were able to explore a wide range of career pathways and gain a deeper understanding of the skills needed for future success.
This event truly exemplified the power of partnership, bringing together business and industry professionals committed to investing in the next generation of the workforce. We are proud of our students for taking full advantage of this experience and grateful to our partners for helping make this event impactful and inspiring.
Together, we continue to bridge the gap between education and workforce—preparing our students to DARE TO BE GREAT!
⭐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
LET 1 Cadet of the Year Recognized at Board Meeting
Congratulations to Cadet Private Manel Chegdali-Hachimi of Liberty Magnet High School for being recognized at a recent board meeting as the LET 1 Cadet of the Year!
Cadet Chegdali-Hachimi exemplifies excellence through her outstanding academic performance—maintaining a 4.3 GPA in AP and Honors courses—and her active leadership in JROTC as a member of the raider team, color guard, and drill team. She also serves as President of the French Honor Society and is a member of the BETA Club. We are proud to celebrate her hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Keep striving and representing at the highest level!
JA Trades (w/ Scotlandville Magnet)
A Junior Achievement Pilot
Students from Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Magnet Academy recently participated in JA Trades, a Junior Achievement pilot program designed to introduce students to high-demand skilled trades. Held on Tuesday, March 25 at ABC Pelican, the event provided students with an engaging, hands-on learning experience focused on real-world career pathways.
Students rotated through 17 interactive stations led by industry partners, where they explored a variety of trades and learned directly from professionals in the field. Each rotation allowed students to actively engage in demonstrations and activities, helping them build awareness of the skills and opportunities available within the trades industry.
JA Trades is paving the way for expanded opportunities, with plans to grow the program and reach even more students across the district next school year.
Arlington Preparatory Academy is proud to highlight its diverse and engaging career pathway offerings through a newly released YouTube commercial. The video features dedicated educators sharing how their courses prepare students with both academic knowledge and real-world skills. From Business Math, Career Education, and Accounting, where students learn essential life skills like managing finances and preparing taxes, to CIW and Business Education, where interactive tools like Kahoot and Blooket keep students engaged and prepared for success—Arlington is equipping students for the future. Students also benefit from Family and Consumer Science courses, where they develop practical skills such as sewing, workplace safety, and customer service, as well as Art programs that foster creativity through hands-on learning in a constantly evolving field. This commercial highlights Arlington Prep’s commitment to providing meaningful, skill-based learning experiences that prepare students for college, careers, and life.
Link = https://youtu.be/j6oAbrrUg0s
Calling all graduating seniors seeking summer employment! The EmployBR Summer Job Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Raising Cane’s River Center Ballroom, 75 S. River Road, Baton Rouge
This event connects young people directly with employers who are ready and excited to hire. Pre-registration is required, so seniors are encouraged to sign up in advance to secure their opportunity to meet hiring representatives.
For more information, contact bdunn@BRLA.gov
Graduating seniors—don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable work experience and start building your future!
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.
Save the Date: The High School Craft Competition will take place on April 22. Guidebooks and additional details will be shared soon.
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.
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.