Gov. Brian Sandoval has issued a proclamation declaring February Career and Technical Education (CTE™) Month in Nevada.

“Our career and technical education programs are vital to building the new Nevada and helping our students prepare for fulfilling careers,” Governor Brian Sandoval said. “I am excited our students have the opportunity to learn about high demand careers such as healthcare, teaching, advanced manufacturing and information technologies. Two-thirds of new jobs will require some form of post-secondary degree or credential and exploring these careers early will help our students on their path to success.”

The theme for this year’s CTE Month is “Celebrate Today, Own Tomorrow!” CTE Month provides CTE programs across the country an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE makes students college- and career- ready and prepares them for high-wage, high-demand career fields. Students, educators and business leaders will celebrate the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across Nevada.
“The activities planned for CTE Month will illustrate the rigor and relevance CTE courses offer our students,” said Kristine Nelson, State CTE Director. “By partnering with the business community, CTE programs are investing in students and providing them with the latest technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees and future leaders.”

CTE encompasses 94 percent of high school students and 13 million postsecondary students in the United States and includes high schools, career centers, community and technical colleges, four-year universities and more. CTE is a major part of the solution to myriad national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs. At a time when opportunity for employment is so critical, CTE programs in every community are ensuring students are equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce.

Nevada recently received a competitive $2 million New Skills for Youth grant from JP Morgan Chase through the Council of Chief State School Officers to promote college and career readiness. To earn this funding, the Nevada Department of Education teamed up with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Nevada System of Higher Education, Office of Workforce Innovation, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and several partners in industry.

High school CTE programs will play a key role in Nevada’s strategy that will strengthen career pathways by expanding and replicating quality programs, particularly in underperforming and rural schools. The grant will also help Nevada improve the effectiveness of the career guidance system and raise awareness about different ways to access career pathways.