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Career & Technical Education

The CTE logo features a colorful swirl and the letters CTE, with the tagline 'Learning that works for Rowan County'.

What’s CTE?

Career & Technical Education (CTE) is …

Career Pathway Programs

Partner with Us

A young student smiles while wearing headphones and using a tablet at a desk.

 

We rely on strong partnerships with local employers, post-secondary education institutions, and community leaders to facilitate students’ career development progression and career preparedness. 

 

Partner with Us

FAQs

  1. Can my child get honors credit in CTE? ​​​​​​​

    • It depends on the course. Some courses are only offered at the honors level, while others may have the option to earn honors credit by completing a more rigorous version of the curriculum.

  2. Does it cost money to take CTE classes?
    • No, there are no required class fees for CTE. There may be costs associated with some optional industry field trips or career and technical student organizations (i.e.- DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, TSA). Contact your child’s school if the cost to participate in a CTE extended learning opportunity is preventing their participation.
  3. My child is focused on getting a 4-year college degree, should they take CTE classes? 
    • Yes! Students who complete a CTE pathway in high school actually have higher post-secondary attainment rates, meaning they earn college degrees! CTE can help students be more intentional about the colleges, majors, and degree programs they choose. It can also help students get a head start on applying academic core and STEM knowledge to real-world work situations.
  1. Can I take honors-level CTE Courses?

    • Yes, there are some courses available. CDCs and school counselors can help identify which CTE courses offer honors credit. 

  2. Why should I participate in a career student organization?

    • Career and Technical Student Organizations (DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA) provide an opportunity to further develop career and leadership skills. You can compete and serve in leadership positions, giving you more experience and accolades to build your resume and college and scholarship applications. Many CTSOs also provide opportunities for scholarships as well. CTSO activities can occur during class time as well.

  1. How are CTE Pathway programs selected to be offered?

    1. Can my child get honors credit in CTE? ​​​​​​​

      • It depends on the course. Some courses are only offered at the honors level, while others may have the option to earn honors credit by completing a more rigorous version of the curriculum.

    2. Does it cost money to take CTE classes?
      • No, there are no required class fees for CTE. There may be costs associated with some optional industry field trips or career and technical student organizations (i.e.- DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, TSA). Contact your child’s school if the cost to participate in a CTE extended learning opportunity is preventing their participation.
    3. My child is focused on getting a 4-year college degree, should they take CTE classes? 
      • Yes! Students who complete a CTE pathway in high school actually have higher post-secondary attainment rates, meaning they earn college degrees! CTE can help students be more intentional about the colleges, majors, and degree programs they choose. It can also help students get a head start on applying academic core and STEM knowledge to real-world work situations.

    1. Can I take honors-level CTE Courses?

      • Yes, there are some courses available. CDCs and school counselors can help identify which CTE courses offer honors credit. 

    2. Why should I participate in a career student organization?

      • Career and Technical Student Organizations (DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA) provide an opportunity to further develop career and leadership skills. You can compete and serve in leadership positions, giving you more experience and accolades to build your resume and college and scholarship applications. Many CTSOs also provide opportunities for scholarships as well. CTSO activities can occur during class time as well.

    1. How are CTE Pathway programs selected to be offered?

CTE Opportunities