For a long time, CTE programs were often viewed as preparing students less for college. Many people saw these programs as mainly designed and more targeted for students who plan on going straight into the workforce after high school. However, as CTE programs have expanded, they started to include both challenging academic work throughout the course but also more hands on career training, this perception started to change. Now, more students and teachers are beginning to see CTE as a pathway that supports not only career success but also college readiness.

As our school continues to grow and improve its CTE programs, students are now completing the same academic requirements as those in traditional courses while also being able to gain valuable real world experience and technical skills that will help them out in the future when they are working. This combination is now changing how schools define what it really means to be college ready, as instead of focusing just on grades, there is now a bigger emphasis on practical skills and different career exposure.

Ms. Rosario explained that students with a CTE endorsed diploma often accomplish more than those in a traditional program.

“Students that graduate with a CTE endorsed diploma do more than a traditional student that graduates with a diploma,” Ms. Rosario said. She also pointed out that CTE students are usually, “better equipped because you are exposed to industry standards… and job market things as a CTE graduate.”

Regardless of these advantages, there may not be any major differences between how CTE and non-CTE students perform in college. Success in college often depends more on the student’s overall academic foundation rather than the specific path they went through in high school.

Ms. Rosario emphasizes this remark by stating, “I don’t think it’s any more or any less than any student that’s struggling anywhere.” She added, “Your foundation of education is what’s going to let you be successful… it doesn’t matter whether you’re CTE or not.”

Another major element to think about is how colleges usually view CTE experience during the admissions process. Some colleges recognize and appreciate the additional skills you gain from CTE coursework, while others may not fully understand the value of your work throughout the CTE course.

“It depends on the institution,” Ms. Rosario explained. “New York State… schools recognize it and see it. Other institutions… don’t see the value in it.” This major difference can vary depending on where the college or university is located and whether they are private or public.

One huge benefit of CTE programs is how they help develop real world skills that go even farther than academics. Students learn communication, financial literacy, and career readiness skills that are very useful for college but also come in handy during everyday life.

“They develop the real world skills… employer seeking skills… communication skills,” Ms. Rosario said. In addition, students gain a lot of experience such as resume building, budgeting, and even internships, which helps students gain a lot of confidence and makes it easier for them to be more independent before graduating.

Many students who are currently enrolled in CTE programs say that the opportunities that were given to them have made a very positive and clear impact on their preparation. Maya Rodriguez, a senior in the Medical Assisting program, believes her experience in CTE has helped her get ready for college.

“I’ve learned time management and responsibility from balancing academics and hands on training,” Maya said. “I also gained medical knowledge that will help me in a healthcare major.”

Rodriguez explains that one of the greatest advantages of the CTE program is the real world experiences that it provided for her.

“I’ve practiced clinical skills and learned how to communicate professionally,” Maya said. At the same time, she also admits that the program was not always easy and was challenging. “Sometimes it’s hard to balance everything because the program is demanding… but I think the experience makes it worth it.”

Jason Kim, a senior in the Cyber Security program, shares a similar perspective. He said that his CTE class has given him a strong base for college level work and expectations.

“I’ve learned technical skills like networking and basic coding,” Jason explained. “These skills will give me an advantage in college courses.” He also mentioned that working with real systems has helped him feel ready and made him feel like he had a head start for college level work.

However, just like Rodriguez, Kim acknowledged that managing his time was often difficult.

“One challenge is having a very full schedule,” Jason said. “It can be hard to fit in extra academic classes or test prep.” Even so, he believed that the benefits of the course were greater than the challenges that came with it.

Both students agreed that colleges may view CTE programs differently.

“I think it depends on the college,” Rodriguez said, while Kim described it as “mostly neutral” unless the program is directly related to a student’s major. Despite this uncertainty, both students said they would recommend CTE programs to students who are planning to attend college.

Opinions on CTE programs continue to change and evolve. These programs are showing that they are more than an alternative option in high school. They do a great job of combining academic learning with also practicing skills that would set students up for the real world. This gives students many opportunities after graduating high school, and for students who are thinking about the future, CTE programs are not a limitation but a good pathway that helps get students ready for college and career success.