BROOKINGS – Throughout the month of February, Brookings Middle and High Schools have been celebrating National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month and for good reason. With rigorous and relevant courses, CTE provides career exploration and preparation, internships, academic application, scholarship opportunities, and so much more. It is not surprising that interest in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) are also on the rise within the school district.

To promote this special month, students currently enrolled in CTE classes are being heard through the Brookings Radio. Nominated by faculty, student leaders include Grace Davis, Nicholas Teal, Izak Wixon, Tyler Rasmussen and Jenna Evans. These students have each taken multiple Career and Technical Education classes throughout their studies in middle and high school.

According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, six out of 10 students plan to pursue a career related to the CTE area they’re exploring in high school. Furthermore, almost a third of CTE students have the opportunity to earn college credit and/or an industry certification though CTE. With opportunity for employment, the CTE programs within the Brookings School District are ensuring that students are equipped to successfully enter the workforce. Career and Technical Education plays an important role in what students are learning today and applying tomorrow.