Explore Students Weigh in on CTE Program

By: Timothy Jette, 8th grade

The Hudson County Schools of Technology District is known for its CTE (Career/Technical Exploration) programs. At High Tech High School, there are 15 CTE majors, and at County Prep, there are 12 majors. However, at Explore, the functionality of our CTE program has undergone changes. In the 2021-2022 school year, when the current 8th graders applied to Explore, elective CTE courses were available for all students regardless of grade. But, the school year after that, CTE courses were made exclusive to 8th grade students. However, in this school year, CTE courses were opened up to 7th graders.  Now, the Class of 2025 has access to these long-awaited electives.  Are they enjoyable?  Did it measure up to expectations?

Students in the 8th grade class were asked for their thoughts on the CTE program and whether or not it met their expectations. The responses were overwhelmingly positive.  Students also appreciated the ability to switch CTE classes mid year. An anonymous student responded that they changed the major they wanted to apply to, and thus had a second CTE they wanted to join. 

Students mentioned that they are using these programs as a way to prepare for their futures. 8th grade student Hazel Rivera said that she liked the fact that it gave her a sense of what high school will be like. Mycheal Richardson, another 8th grader, said that she liked that it gives students an idea of what they would like to do in life. Overall, students generally had high expectations for the program, expectations which this long-awaited program mostly met. 

In summation, the 8th grade students of Explore Middle School hold a positive view of the Career/Technical Exploration program.  If you were interviewed, what would you have said? Would you be a contrarian? Would you answer the same way everyone else did?

Published to the Wolfpack Press: November 13, 2024.