My career in CTE started as a high school senior and has led directly to the successes I have had in my postsecondary education and career. Today’s CTE programs are even more rigorous and relevant.
Data Tells the Story
The High School of Business (HSB) is a great example of the effectiveness of CTE programs. I had the opportunity to teach the HSB Finance course and to be a trainer for the program, which utilizes project-based learning. The data below shows the impact on rigorous, relevant, CTE programs. In 2018:
- 100% of HSB students achieved math and English Language Arts state-mandate
benchmark. - 93% of HSB students went to, and stayed, in college as measured by the postsecondary persistence rate (national average is 73.9%).
- 93% of HSB alumni indicated that they believe participation in the program increased
their ability to succeed in a career. - 60% of students reported improved grades in their core academic course.
Doubling the investment in CTE would provide the needed funding to support programs such as High School of Business and others to expand and continue to make a difference in local communities.
CTE is More than Data
As a CTE student, teacher, CTE Director, and now CEO of an organization that supports CTE, I have seen the impact on the workforce and on students. Here are just a few examples of graduates from when I taught business administration and was CTE Director at Jenison High School in Michigan: Caleb earned a full ride scholarship to a university and started an online business while in college. In addition to his online business, he now has a brick and mortar store. Larissa turned the knowledge and skills she learned in her CTE classes and work-based learning into a very successful career as a realtor right out of high school. Monique just recently graduated from college and accepted a position as a project manager at Leo Burnett in Detroit. These are just a few examples of thousands of former students that are running businesses, hiring employees, contributing to the economy, and are involved in their communities. These are students that are entering high wage, in-demand career fields that have a direct impact on the economy. It’s time to double the investment in a strategy and system that is proven – CTE.
This blog was written by Brenda Clark, CEO/President, MBA Research and Curriculum Center