The Nevada Department of Education recognizes February as Career and Technical Education Month.
Proclaimed by Gov. Steve Sisolak and designated by the Association for Career and Technical Education, the month recognizes the positive impacts of CTE programs on Nevada’s students and workforce.
“Throughout Nevada, Career and Technical Education programs are delivering real results, giving our economy a competitive edge, and preparing our learners for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers in Nevada,” said Jhone Ebert, state superintendent of public instruction. “It is our priority to ensure each and every child has equitable access to CTE opportunities, as students who engage in these programs are proven to be more engaged, earn industry-recognized credentials, and have careers that are both rewarding and family-sustaining.”
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sisolak said Nevada experienced a skills gap with 51% of jobs requiring specialized skills training, and only 48% of Nevada workers were trained at this level.
“Through CTE programs and innovative partnerships with our business community, we can help to fill these gaps and ensure that our students and economy thrive well into the future,” Sisolak said. “I commend Superintendent Ebert, the Nevada Department of Education, CTE educators, and everyone involved for their leadership and vision in bringing these programs to life.”
Some facts and statistics related to CTE in Nevada include the following:
Nevada has CTE strands in all 16 National Career Clusters available to students throughout the state, with innovative programs of study in healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and more.
Students who participate in CTE programs experience higher graduation rates than their peers, with a 91.72% graduation rate for CTE students in the class of 2021, compared to an 81.31% statewide average graduation rate.
This 2021-22 school year, 76,035 high school students and 2,284 middle school students are enrolled in CTE programs of study or middle school courses. High school enrollment for school year 2021-22 represents a 4.76% increase from the 2020-21 school year.
SkillsUSA program: Feb. 7-11
SkillsUSA Week gives state associations, advisers and student members the opportunity to promote SkillsUSA programs and activities at the local and state levels. During the week, members can also help raise awareness of SkillsUSA.
The SkillsUSA State Standards of Excellence Program experienced growth in its fifth year as 38 states were recognized and received recognition. The purpose of the program is to ensure state associations have in place policies, procedures and structure on an annual basis that deliver a high level of service to membership.
The following state associations were recognized for achieving bronze level of establishing a baseline for a healthy association: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota and South Dakota.
The following states moved to the next level by being recognized for achieving silver, ensuring sustainability of healthy association: Alabama High School, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana College/Postsecondary, New York High School, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The following states reached the pinnacle of achievement by successfully completing the gold level requirements, ensuring continual growth of the association: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia College/Postsecondary, Georgia High School, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas College/Postsecondary, Texas High School, Virginia and Washington High School.
This program is not competitive between states but serves as a system to allow states to benchmark their performance and determine improvements to become the very best organization for their members. State associations, rather than the state SkillsUSA director, are recognized for achieving State Standards of Excellence.
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