Making a Case for CTE


The Facts (NASDCTEc)

(Click here to view the source PDF.)

CTE leads to fewer dropouts
CTE concentrators are far less likely to drop out of high school than the national average, a difference estimate to save the economy $168 billion each year.
CTE creates personalized pathways to success
Shattering the outdated perception that CTE students are training to take a low-skill job out of high school, recent studies indicate that over 75% of CTE concentrators pursue post-secondary after graduating high school.
CTE integrates business and industry perspectives
A core component of the Vision for CTE outlined in Reflect, Transform, Leads: A New Vision for Career Technical Education is aligning CTE programs with workforce needs. Modern program standards, like those in Washington, require private-sector voices to be equal participants on both general and program-specific advisory committees directing CTE programs.
CTE trains students for high-growth industries
Most projections of upcoming changes in the labor market indicate that not all sectors will grow equally in the short or mid-term. The largest projected growth will likely take place in the healthcare industry where CTE has been rapidly expanding for the years.
CTE introduces students to the world of work
Providing work-based learning opportunities like job shadowing and internships is a core pillar of the CTE Vision and high-quality CTE programs.
CTE closes the skills gap
Even as middle skill jobs (requiring more than a high school diploma, but less than a baccalaureate degree) comprise 54% of the labor market today, only 44% of workers fall into the middle skill cohort.
CTE allows professionals to advance
84% of adult CTE concentrators went from CTE study to further education or employment within six months of completing their program.
CTE represents a positive net investment for society
CTE is a system on data and accountability that prices business sense and practical thinking. Studies indicate that CTE generates an enormous long-term return on investment for participants and for society as a whole. One study focused on apprenticeship programs indicated that states would reap $35 in tax receipts for every dollar invested in internships over the career of an apprentice.
There is public demand for CTE
87% of American – and 89% of public school parents – agree that students should receive more education about career choices while in high school.

Fact Sheets:

Below are facts sheets with pertinent facts and information about CTE.