February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a national celebration recognizing the value of CTE programs and their impact on students, schools, and communities. CTE programs play a crucial role in preparing students for high-demand careers by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for success in tomorrow’s workforce.
According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, students involved in CTE experience higher graduation rates and earn higher wages compared to their peers. CTE Month provides an opportunity to showcase how these programs prepare students for both college and careers while addressing workforce needs in Kansas and beyond.
Kansas CTE programs align with business and industry demands by offering foundational knowledge and skills tailored to the state’s workforce needs. The Kansas State Department of Education outlines 16 Career Clusters and 37 Career Pathways which are in high-demand in the state, giving students a broad range of educational and career opportunities. At Garden City High School, students have access to 16 of these pathways:
BioMedical Science
Business Finance
Comprehensive Agriculture Science
Corrections, Security, Law, and Law Enforcement Services
Digital Media
Early Childhood Development and Services
Engineering and Applied Mathematics
Fashion, Apparel, and Interior Design
Graphic Design
Health Science
Manufacturing
Marketing
Power, Structural, and Technical Systems
Restaurant and Event Management
Teaching/Training
Web and Digital Communications
The vision for Kansas education is to lead the world in student success, and CTE programs play a vital role in achieving that goal. By providing hands-on learning experiences, industry recognized credentials, and pathways to higher education, CTE ensures students are well-prepared for their futures—whether that means entering the workforce, earning an industry-recognized credential, or pursuing postsecondary education.
At Garden City High School, CTE participation is a cornerstone of student achievement, with 92% of the 2024 graduating class completing at least one CTE credit. This highlights the school’s commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.