CTE Month 2012

Valley ROP and the partnering districts of Kingsburg JUHSD, Kings Canyon USD, Parlier USD, Sanger USD, and Selma USD will join others across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month^TM.  This year’s theme is CTE: Careers Through Education. CTE Month^TM provides CTE programs across the country an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE educates students to be college- and career- ready and prepares them for high-wage, high-demand career fields.  Among the special activities scheduled are program tours, student assemblies, and a career fair. 

“The activities planned over the next month will illustrate the rigor and relevance CTE courses offer our students,” said Debbe Marvin, Director of Valley ROP. “By partnering with the business community, CTE programs are investing in students’ lives with the latest technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees as well as future leaders.”

CTE is a major part of the solution to myriad national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one-third of the fastest growing occupations will require an associate’s degree or a postsecondary vocational certificate. Recent research published by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that 4.7 million new workers will be needed with post-secondary certificates and credentials, such as those which can be obtained at Valley ROP by 2018, but we will fall short of meeting that demand. At a time when job opportunity is so critical, CTE programs in every community are ensuring students are adequately equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce.   

CTE is important - let's celebrate!  What will you do to support CTE this month?