SPRINGFIELD – To celebrate Career and Technical Education students across Illinois, state Sen. Rachelle Aud Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, has advanced legislation to establish February 2022 as Career and Technical Education Month.
“Metro East schools have effectively implemented Career and Technical Education programs in agriculture, business, family science, health, technology and engineering,” said Crowe, a chief co-sponsor of Senate Resolution 698. “CTE programs prepare students for bright futures by providing academic opportunities, real-life skills training and invaluable knowledge necessary to succeed.”
Career and Technical Education, or CTE, are programs designed to prepare students for careers in industries such as finance, health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and education. Coursework includes both academic and technical materials, allowing many students to use their knowledge from the programs to earn industry-recognized credentials or college credits. This makes careers in these fields more accessible for many students who may struggle to complete coursework in traditional academic programs.
Many students have found success with the innovative program. Statewide, around 30,000 students earned college credit from their CTE courses, saving them time and money when earning their degrees. In addition, 97% of Illinois students who complete CTE programs during high school graduate, compared to only 88% from traditional high schools. This year, almost 415,000 Illinoisans are enrolled in CTE programs.
“CTE programs improve accessibility to growing industries for students of all backgrounds,” said Crowe. “This resolution will showcase the successes students have found thus far, while also spreading awareness of how beneficial these programs can be.”
Senate Resolution 698 advanced out of the Senate Education Committee and moves for further consideration before the full Senate.