CTE is a comprehensive program of study that combines academic preparation, hands-on learning, and technical skill training based upon industry-recognized standards. CTE programs engage students in mastery learning and help them to develop 21st century skills, employability traits, and academic competencies within a specific field of study. Additionally, students in CTE programs earn four academic distributions over their two-year experience to help meet graduation requirements.

Click for more information - What is Career & Technical Education?

All students should look closely at Career and Technical program options for enrollment in their junior and/or senior year of high school. To be eligible for enrollment, students should be 16 years of age at the beginning of the school year, in good academic standing, and be prepared to commit to a two-year program during their junior and senior year. Career and Technical options are also available to students who wish to enroll for a one-year experience in their senior year.

Potential students should have an interest in a career pathway and/or chosen college major. CTE is not for one type of student or another. CTE programs prepare both college-bound and non-college bound students for career majors and career pathways. Some programs prepare students for rigorous college majors while others prepare students for both college or employment following graduation. You can learn more by visiting with your high school guidance counselor, attending an information assembly at your school, or attending an open house at the Rossetti Education Center. You're also welcome to email the CTE administrative office at cteinfo@moboces.org, or call 315-361-5700.

CTE programs prepare students to be successful in college by affording them unique advantages. Students have the opportunity to explore college related majors prior to making a commitment toward a college degree program. CTE students are strong candidates for success in college as they are likely to stay committed to a degree program having received two years of advanced preparation directly related to their college major. Since they are less likely to change majors while in college, students may also save valuable time and resources as they work towards their degree. Additionally, in many cases students can earn advanced standing through articulations with local and regional two and four year colleges.

CTE affords students the opportunity to gain marketable skills while they are still in high school. In addition to developing career-specific technical skills, CTE students learn 21st Century skills such as leadership, problem solving, team work, effective communication, creativity, innovation and self-directed learning prior to entering the workforce. Studies indicate that our graduates are more likely to retain employment and advance more rapidly than others without comprehensive technical training.

According to the Association of Career & Technical Education (www.acteonline.org), an education- and work-related credential can be defined as a verification of an individual's qualification or competence issued by a third party with the relevant authority to issue such credentials (U.S. Department of Labor, 2010). The term credential encompasses educational certificates, degrees, certifications and government-issued licenses.

• Read the ACTE Credential Information Sheet
• Read the CTE Pathways document

Check out these online informational resources, provided by the Association for Career & Technical Education:

• College and Career Ready Through CTE
• CTE Today
• Career & Technical Education Improves Student Achievement in High School, College and Career