| By Gale Staff |
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, preparing students for real-world success requires more than traditional academic instruction. Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a powerful, proven pathway to future readiness, yet it remains underutilized and underfunded in many school districts.
As graduation goals shift to emphasize career readiness alongside academic achievement, prioritizing CTE in educational planning is essential to help students thrive following high school. How can CTE make a difference? Explore four ways a strong CTE strategy impacts student outcomes districtwide.
1. Academic Performance and Graduation Rates Improve
The positive benefits of CTE are evident well before students enter the workforce. CTE programs have been shown to help improve student academic achievement, especially for those who struggle in traditional subjects. A concentration on hands-on learning and real-world topics creates a more engaging learning environment for all students.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, 93% of CTE students graduate from high school, making them 10% more likely to earn their diploma than the national average.1 Following graduation, over 75% of CTE students pursue postsecondary education and training, including apprenticeships, associate degree programs, and bachelor’s degree programs.2
2. Learners Have a Clearer Picture of Potential Future Pathways
Whether students plan to attend vocational school, enroll in a university, or enter the job market immediately following high school, CTE helps them understand their options. Research shows that nearly 85% of families that have students involved in CTE programs are satisfied with their ability to learn real-world skills and explore careers—a stark contrast compared to just 54% of families who are not involved in CTE.3
Career-focused education gives students the tools they need to explore their college and career options. Students who participate in CTE programs spend more time considering the real-world job market and envisioning their future place in it, plus many CTE students get valuable experiential learning opportunities through internships, mentorships, and other projects.
3. Students Build Transferable Skills for Lifelong Success
CTE programs are highly focused on project-based learning (PBL), allowing students to tackle hands-on, collaborative projects that mirror real-world challenges. These experiences help CTE students develop critical skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication—all competencies that help learners succeed in college, career, and everyday life.
In fact, according to the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, employers consistently value these soft and durable skills as top hiring priorities, from creativity to flexibility to leadership.4
4. Graduates Are Better Equipped for Today’s High-Demand Industries
Beyond soft skills, CTE students also gain technical expertise aligned with their career interests. This is increasingly important as industries continue to evolve, spurred by technology innovations like AI and automation. CTE programs help close the skills gap by offering up-to-date, relevant training.
Students have a unique opportunity to explore how emerging technologies are transforming fields like healthcare and IT. This training gives them a competitive edge in today’s job market and offers pathways to high-demand, high-wage careers.
Partner with Gale for a Successful CTE Strategy
Implementing a successful CTE program is easier when you work with a dedicated partner who can provide the tools, data, and support your school needs. That’s where Gale can help.
Gale empowers CTE educators with high-quality, scalable resources that are aligned to real-world career pathways. CTE teachers can use Gale’s accessible digital resources to meet diverse learning needs and styles, sparking curiosity in the classroom and connecting students to future careers.
In addition to relevant learning resources, Gale provides ongoing support to drive success in your CTE program. Teachers have access to on-demand training, interactive activities, and other materials to leverage CTE content in their classrooms. For added educator support, schools can provide anytime, anywhere access to expert CTE guidance and practical solutions with Gale eBooks: Professional Learning themed collections. If your district is ready to make CTE a central part of your educational strategy, discover how Gale can provide consistent support to modernize instruction with dynamic solutions. Explore digital resources that will empower your students to thrive beyond graduation, or connect with your education consultant to discuss your district’s needs.
Notes:
- “What is CTE: Fast Facts,” Advance CTE, 2018.
- “What is CTE: Fast Facts.”
- “Promoting Career and Technical Education,” Advance CTE, June 2021.
- Melissa Russel. “The Top Skills Employers Seek Have Nothing to Do With Technology,” Professional & Executive Development, Harvard Division of Continuing Education, October 2024.