Local CTE programs highlight real-world applications during CTE month

Recently, several high schools in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) have been showing what students in various Career and Technical Education programs have been working on, just in time for Governor Mike Dunleavy’s proclamation that February is CTE Month.

“Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides students with the knowledge, academic and technical skills, and training necessary to flourish in future careers and to become lifelong learners,” the Governor wrote in his proclamation.

Indeed, students who complete just two CTE courses in a single career pathway have a higher graduation rate, at 96.3%.

“CTE provides students with career exploration opportunities and hands-on, meaningful experiences earlier in their academic careers, which enables them to make informed decisions about their coursework as well as pursue established programs of study and career pathways.”

At Houston High School, students in the first hour Welding Class, led by Corey Peterson turned an old Chevy truck tailgate into a bench, which is now being raffled off to one luck person in April.

Meanwhile at Wasilla High School, students from several different CTE programs came together to remodel the front office.

“From the design process to remodeling, drafting, and construction, trades’ students completed the entire project. Impressive real world application! We are proud of you” WHS school officials wrote on social media while posting several photos of the project.

As Alaska faces the employee shortages in various CTE fields, students are able utilize the opportunities in many of the different CTE pathways available in the MSBSD, locally training the incoming workforce and increasing the likelihood that they will remain in the state.

“CTE prepares students for the workforce by introducing them to workplace competencies, and making academic content accessible through practical, real-world application…guaranteeing that Alaskan employers have access to a wide pool of qualified workforce.”.

People interested in purchasing a raffle ticket for the tailgate bench are urged to visit Houston High School to purchase a ticket.