Strategies for Attracting Students to High-quality CTE
Published: April 20, 2017
Our friends at Advance CTE and the Siemens Foundation are working on a project, Strategies for Attracting Students to High-Quality CTE, which supports states and local communities in their efforts to attract more students into high-quality career and technical education programs of study. This project will develop effective messaging, as well as provide support to states. Advance CTE commissioned a national survey to better understand the opportunity of CTE, outlined in a new report, “The Value and Promise of Career Technical Education: Results from a National Survey of Parents and Students.” Through the study, Advance CTE found that:
Finding a career passion was a critical selling point for parents and students (over 90 percent) – even surpassing having a career that pays well;
The majority of parents and students (85 percent) value college as the post-high school aspiration;
CTE programs are most valued for their ability to provide real-world skills, offering tangible benefits related to college and career success;
The findings were consistent across all socio-economic groups, with a higher appreciation for CTE graduation success amongst lower-income, black and Hispanic groups; and
Counselors, teachers, students and alumni are trusted sources of information.
To honor the future generation of Pros who are choosing careers in skilled trades, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded a $1 million Gable Grant to SkillsUSA.
SkillsUSA has named 24 schools as Models of Excellence for 2024. The annual program recognizes the exceptional integration of Personal, Workplace and Technical Skills into SkillsUSA chapter activities.
