Career and Technical Education (CTE) bridges the gap between high school and postsecondary plans. CTE programs include career skills training that helps students become ready for college or work. CTE curriculum focuses students on academic, employability, and technical skills used in a specific occupation. 

1. Students with greater exposure to CTE are more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in a 2 or 4 year college, be employed and seek competitive wages.

2. Students enrolled in CTE courses are significantly more likely to develop problem-solving, project completion, research, communication, time management and critical thinking skills during high school.

3.  Early career exploration offers a sense of direction.

4. CTE offers a targeted career focus.

5.  Workforce entry ready with internships, co-ops and job shadowing opportunities. 

6. Carl Perkins funding assists in expanding CTE programs in secondary education (grades 6-12), community colleges, and technical schools and offers support at the local community level to enhance technical and employability skills for secondary and post-secondary students with credential opportunities as well as articulation credits.