2026 - 2027 Launch Preview
Career & Technical Education
Offer intentional, relevant, and sustainable Career & Technical Education.
CTE is on the rise because it works when it's done well. As states continue to refine funding models and districts expand access, the emphasis is shifting from participating alone to quality, equity, and outcomes.
Subject is built to support that shift by helping schools offer CTE programs that are intentional, relevant, and sustainable—programs that respect both the realities of funding and the aspirations of students.
See Our CTE Content in Action
Choosing a Board of Directors
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Our CTE Pathways
Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources Career Cluster
The Science and Business of Growth
Explore the intersection of plant science, environmental sustainability, and horticulture business. This pathway utilizes a docu-series approach to guide students through soil science and advanced plant growth. Students gain hands-on insights into careers in landscaping and agriculture, learning to apply scientific theory to the practical management of natural resources.
Business, Marketing, & Finance Career Cluster
The Engine of Innovation
Step into the role of a founder and leader. In this pathway, students explore how businesses work in the global economy—from the first spark of an idea to the challenges of running and growing a company. Through "day in the life" case studies and a focus on ethical leadership, students learn key business terms and practice the communication skills they need to succeed in today's business world.
Health Sciences Career Cluster
The Digital Pulse of Modern Medicine
Discover how technology and healthcare connect to improve patient outcomes. This pathway bridges the gap between clinical theory and administrative practice, teaching students to manage vital patient data, protect privacy, and utilize digital health tools. Through simulations and medical terminology mastery, students develop the ethical framework and professional care required for the therapeutic and diagnostic healthcare fields.
Information Technology Career Cluster
From Consumer to Security-Conscious Problem Solver
Welcome to the exciting world of IT, where cybersecurity professionals work in network operations, security, and cyber defense. Students don't just learn about computers; they learn how to build them from scratch, configure complex networks, and diagnose real-world security threats. By mastering the "why" and "how" of modern hardware and operating systems, students develop the professional collaboration skills and technical vocabulary needed to protect the systems that power our world.
Human Services Career Cluster
The Artistry of Color and Conduct
Launch a career in beauty by blending creative artistry with technical discipline. This introductory pathway focuses on the science of hair, makeup, color theory, and other core cosmetology practices while establishing professional salon protocols. Students prioritize client communication and consultation skills, building the professional habits and technical foundation necessary for future licensure and salon management.
Why States and Schools Are Reinvesting in CTE
Career and Technical Education is no longer viewed as an alternative track. Across states, it's increasingly seen as a core strategy for student engagement, workforce readiness, and economic resilience.
Policymakers are responding to clear signals: student participation in CTE is rising, employer demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply, and traditional academic pathways alone are not meeting the needs of all learners. Over the past decade, more than half of states have increased funding for secondary CTE, in some cases dramatically. At the same time, national research shows that overall investment still lags behind participation and demand, reinforcing the need for programs that make efficient, intentional use of limited resources.
Districts feel this tension directly. Educators consistently point to the same challenges: programs that lack coherence, pathways that don't lead to credentials or postsecondary options, and funding models that make it difficult to scale high-quality offerings equitably. Schools are not just being asked to offer more CTE. They're being asked to offer better CTE.
What Educators Say Makes CTE Strong
Educators consistently emphasize that strong Career and Technical Education is defined by intention, relevance, and access. High-quality CTE programs are built around clear, outcome-driven pathways, not disconnected courses, so students understand how their learning leads to a credential, postsecondary opportunity, or career field.
Alignment with real labor market needs is essential. When coursework reflects how industries actually operate today, students are more engaged and schools are better positioned to support local workforce needs. Applied learning further strengthens this connection by giving students opportunities to practice skills, build confidence, and see the purpose behind what they are learning.
At its core, strong CTE gives learning a reason. It connects school to what comes next for students, while supporting schools and communities in building meaningful, sustainable pathways forward.
How Subject Supports Strong CTE