CTE Curriculum by State

Alabama has built a robust Career and Technical Education system that serves students across all 67 counties through a network of comprehensive high schools, career centers, and the Alabama Community College System. The state organizes its CTE offerings around 16 federally recognized career clusters, with strong emphasis on advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology pathways that align with the state's growing industrial base. The Alabama CTE program is guided by the Alabama State Plan for Career and Technical Education, which prioritizes work-based learning, industry certifications, and seamless transitions from secondary to postsecondary education. Alabama has invested significantly in upgrading CTE facilities and equipment, particularly in the automotive manufacturing and aerospace sectors that anchor the state's economy. Alabama's CTE system also benefits from strong partnerships with major employers including Honda, Hyundai, Airbus, and the Huntsville aerospace corridor, providing students with real-world connections to high-demand career fields.

Alaska's Career and Technical Education system is uniquely shaped by the state's vast geography, small and remote communities, and resource-based economy. CTE programs across Alaska serve students in urban centers like Anchorage and Fairbanks as well as remote rural villages accessible only by air or water, requiring innovative delivery models including distance learning and mobile training labs. The state's CTE offerings reflect Alaska's economic drivers, with strong programs in natural resources, maritime trades, healthcare, and construction. Alaska's CTE system places a particular emphasis on preparing students for careers in oil and gas, commercial fishing, mining, and other industries that are central to the state's economy. Alaska also integrates cultural relevance into its CTE programs, recognizing the importance of Alaska Native traditions and subsistence practices alongside modern career preparation. This culturally responsive approach helps engage students across the state's diverse communities.

Arizona's Career and Technical Education system is one of the most dynamic in the Southwest, serving a rapidly growing student population through a unique structure that includes Joint Technical Education Districts (JTEDs), comprehensive high schools, and community college partnerships. The state's CTE programs are organized around 16 career clusters, with particular strength in technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Arizona's JTED model is distinctive nationally, providing dedicated CTE campuses that offer specialized programs to students from multiple feeder school districts. This model allows for concentrated investment in state-of-the-art facilities and industry-current equipment that individual districts might not be able to afford on their own. The state's CTE enrollment has grown steadily, driven by Arizona's expanding economy in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, renewable energy, and healthcare. Arizona has positioned its CTE system as a key pipeline for talent in these high-growth industries.

Arkansas operates a comprehensive Career and Technical Education system that serves students through secondary programs in public schools and a robust network of postsecondary institutions. The state's CTE offerings are organized around 16 career clusters and more than 90 individual programs of study that prepare students for high-demand careers in Arkansas. The Arkansas Division of Career and Technical Education works closely with the state's two-year colleges and technical institutes to create seamless pathways from high school through postsecondary credentials and into the workforce. Arkansas has made significant investments in CTE program quality, including competitive grant programs for equipment upgrades and facility improvements. Arkansas has also been a leader in the region for integrating computer science education into its CTE offerings, requiring all high schools to offer computer science courses and embedding digital literacy across career pathways.

California operates the largest Career and Technical Education system in the nation, serving millions of students across more than 1,000 school districts, county offices of education, and the California Community Colleges system. The state's CTE programs are organized around 15 industry sectors defined by the California CTE Model Curriculum Standards, reflecting the state's diverse and innovation-driven economy. California has made substantial investments in CTE through multiple funding streams, including the California Career Technical Education Incentive Grant (CTEIG) program, which has provided hundreds of millions of dollars to develop and expand high-quality CTE programs. The state also supports regional CTE consortia that coordinate programming across K-12 and community college partners. The state's CTE landscape is shaped by California's position as a global leader in technology, entertainment, agriculture, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. CTE programs across the state reflect this economic diversity, offering pathways ranging from software development and film production to sustainable agriculture and biotechnology.

Colorado's Career and Technical Education system is administered through the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), which provides oversight and support for CTE programs at both the secondary and postsecondary levels. The state organizes CTE around career clusters and pathways that reflect Colorado's dynamic and diversified economy, with particular strength in technology, aerospace, energy, and outdoor recreation industries. Colorado's CTE model emphasizes concurrent enrollment, allowing high school students to earn college credits while completing CTE courses. This approach has driven strong participation rates and creates efficient pathways from secondary education to postsecondary credentials and degrees. The state has also been a pioneer in developing CTE program quality indicators and using data-driven approaches to evaluate and improve CTE offerings. Colorado's employer engagement model brings industry partners directly into program design and assessment, ensuring that CTE graduates are prepared for the state's competitive job market.

Connecticut's Career and Technical Education system serves students through a network that includes the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), which operates 17 technical high schools across the state, as well as CTE programs in comprehensive high schools and regional educational service centers. This dual structure provides students with both immersive technical education environments and integrated CTE pathways within traditional school settings. The CTECS technical high schools are a hallmark of Connecticut's approach, offering full-time programs where students alternate between academic and technical instruction in a model that has produced strong outcomes in both career readiness and college preparation. These schools are among the most sought-after in the state, with competitive admissions processes reflecting high demand. Connecticut's CTE programs reflect the state's economic strengths in advanced manufacturing, insurance and financial services, healthcare, and technology. The state has made significant investments in modernizing CTE facilities and curricula to keep pace with industry evolution, particularly in precision manufacturing and emerging technology fields.

Delaware's Career and Technical Education system is built on a strong tradition of technical education, with the state's three comprehensive school districts (Polytech, Sussex Tech, and Delcastle) providing dedicated CTE campuses alongside integrated CTE pathways in traditional high schools. Despite its small size, Delaware offers a diverse array of CTE programs aligned with the state's economic strengths in financial services, healthcare, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing. The state takes a collaborative approach to CTE, with close coordination between the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Technical Community College system, and the state's workforce development agencies. This coordination enables seamless pathways from secondary CTE into postsecondary credentials and employment. Delaware has been recognized nationally for its CTE program quality and innovation, including its early adoption of work-based learning requirements and its integration of financial literacy across career pathways, reflecting the state's role as a major hub for the financial services industry.

The District of Columbia's career and technical education system serves approximately 8,500 secondary students through programs offered in DC Public Schools, public charter schools, and specialized career academies. As an urban district with unique governance as both a city and a territory, DC's CTE system is designed to prepare students for careers in the diverse industries that define the nation's capital, including government, technology, healthcare, hospitality, and professional services. DC's CTE programs are organized around career pathways that leverage the district's unique economic environment. Students have access to internship and work-based learning opportunities with federal agencies, international organizations, technology companies, and healthcare institutions that are headquartered in or near the district. The district has invested significantly in modernizing its CTE infrastructure, including renovating career academy facilities and expanding program offerings in high-demand fields. DC's strong emphasis on equity ensures that CTE programs are accessible to students from all wards of the city, with targeted initiatives to increase participation among students in historically underserved communities.

Florida operates one of the largest and most comprehensive CTE systems in the United States, serving students through public high schools, career and technical centers, the Florida College System, and state universities. The state's CTE programs are organized around career clusters and pathways defined in the Florida CTE Curriculum Frameworks, which are updated annually to reflect industry trends and labor market data. Florida's CTE system benefits from strong state-level support, including dedicated funding through the Florida Education Finance Program and targeted investments in high-demand program areas. The state's career and technical centers offer adult education and workforce training alongside secondary CTE, creating a comprehensive career preparation ecosystem. With its diverse economy spanning tourism and hospitality, healthcare, aerospace, agriculture, and technology, Florida's CTE programs prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities. The state has been particularly innovative in developing CTE pathways in emerging fields such as cybersecurity, unmanned vehicle systems, and simulation technology.

Georgia's Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) system is one of the largest and most well-organized in the Southeast, serving students across the state's 180 school districts. The state uniquely includes agricultural education as a core component of its CTE framework, reflecting Georgia's strong agricultural heritage alongside its modern economic strengths in technology, film production, healthcare, and logistics. Georgia organizes its CTAE programs around 17 career clusters and more than 130 career pathways, providing students with a comprehensive range of options for career exploration and preparation. The state requires students to complete a career pathway, which includes three sequential courses, as part of its graduation requirements, ensuring that all Georgia students gain meaningful CTE experience. The state has invested heavily in CTAE program quality, including the development of Georgia-specific curriculum resources and the establishment of strong partnerships with the Technical College System of Georgia, which provides seamless transitions from secondary CTE into postsecondary programs.

Hawaii operates a unified statewide school district, making it the only state with a single CTE administration that directly oversees all public school CTE programs. This unique structure allows for consistent standards and curriculum implementation across the Hawaiian Islands, while also requiring flexibility to address the distinct economic and geographic characteristics of each island community. The state's CTE programs reflect Hawaii's economic identity, with strong offerings in hospitality and tourism, natural resources management, culinary arts, and healthcare. Hawaii has also expanded its CTE programs in technology and creative media fields, recognizing the state's growing role in renewable energy, ocean science, and digital content creation. Hawaii's CTE system emphasizes connecting career preparation with the state's cultural values and sustainability priorities. Programs frequently integrate Native Hawaiian cultural practices and environmental stewardship concepts, creating CTE pathways that are both career-relevant and culturally responsive.

Idaho's Career Technical Education system is overseen by the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education, an independent state agency that operates alongside the State Board of Education. This dedicated administrative structure reflects the state's strong commitment to CTE as a distinct and valued component of public education. Idaho organizes its CTE programs around six career clusters: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Business and Marketing Education; Engineering and Technology Education; Family and Consumer Sciences; Health Professions and Public Safety; and Skilled and Technical Sciences. Idaho's CTE programs serve students across the state's diverse geography, from the Boise metropolitan area to remote agricultural and timber communities. The state has invested in building strong connections between secondary CTE and postsecondary institutions, including the state's community colleges and technical colleges. The state has been recognized for its employer engagement practices, with industry advisory committees playing a central role in shaping CTE program standards and priorities. Idaho's growing economy, particularly in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing, drives strong demand for CTE graduates.

Illinois operates a large and diverse CTE system that serves students through comprehensive high schools, area career centers, community colleges, and regional delivery systems. The state organizes its CTE programs around career clusters and pathways aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards and the national Career Clusters Framework, with particular strength in manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and agriculture. The Illinois CTE system reflects the state's economic diversity, from the advanced financial services and technology sectors of the Chicago metropolitan area to the agricultural and manufacturing base of central and southern Illinois. The state supports CTE through multiple funding streams, including dedicated state CTE funding and federal Perkins dollars administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. Illinois has been a leader in the Midwest in developing career pathway systems that connect secondary CTE with community college programs and four-year institutions, creating clear routes from high school through credentials and degrees into careers. The state's Education Career Pathway models provide frameworks for building these connections across regions.

Indiana has established one of the Midwest's most structured and industry-aligned CTE systems, offering programs through comprehensive high schools, career and technical education centers, and a strong network of Ivy Tech Community College campuses. The state organizes its CTE programs around career clusters and defined pathways that map directly to Indiana's high-demand industries, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, logistics, and healthcare. Indiana's CTE model is distinguished by its emphasis on employer-driven program design. The state's Next Level Programs of Study initiative provides detailed frameworks that connect secondary coursework to postsecondary credentials and career entry points, with program standards validated by Indiana-based employers. This approach ensures that CTE graduates are equipped with the specific skills that Hoosier employers need. The state has also invested in expanding its career scholarship and certification programs, providing financial incentives for students who complete approved CTE pathways and earn industry-recognized credentials. Indiana's Graduation Pathways model integrates CTE completion as one of the primary routes to earning a high school diploma.

Iowa's Career and Technical Education system is organized through a strong partnership between the Iowa Department of Education and the state's 15 community college regions, which serve as the primary delivery mechanism for both secondary and postsecondary CTE. This regional model ensures that CTE programming is connected to local labor market needs while maintaining statewide quality standards. The state organizes its CTE programs around six service areas that correspond to broad career fields: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Business, Finance, Marketing and Management; Health Science; Human Services; Applied Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing; and Information Solutions. Iowa's CTE system is deeply connected to the state's economic strengths in agriculture, advanced manufacturing, insurance and financial services, and renewable energy. Iowa has been a leader in the Midwest in developing secondary-postsecondary CTE partnerships, with extensive concurrent enrollment and articulation agreements that allow high school students to earn college credits in CTE courses. The state's Regional Planning Partnership model brings together secondary schools, community colleges, employers, and economic development organizations to plan and coordinate CTE programming.

Kansas has built a well-organized CTE system centered around its Pathways Model, which provides structured sequences of courses that prepare students for specific career fields. The state organizes its CTE programs around career clusters and pathways that align with Kansas's economic strengths in agriculture, aviation and aerospace manufacturing, healthcare, and energy. The Kansas State Department of Education oversees secondary CTE, while the Kansas Board of Regents supports postsecondary CTE through the state's community and technical colleges. Kansas has been nationally recognized for its implementation of the Pathways Model, which requires students to complete a coherent sequence of CTE courses along with related academic coursework and work-based learning experiences. This structured approach ensures that CTE participants develop both the technical and academic skills needed for career success. The state has also invested in developing strong connections between secondary and postsecondary CTE, with extensive articulation agreements and dual enrollment options that enable students to accumulate college credits while in high school. Kansas's Excel in CTE initiative provides tuition assistance for high school students taking CTE courses at postsecondary institutions.

Kentucky's Career and Technical Education system serves students through a comprehensive network that includes area technology centers, comprehensive high schools, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). The state organizes its CTE programs around 14 career clusters and more than 70 career pathways, reflecting Kentucky's diverse economic landscape that spans advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and logistics. Kentucky's area technology centers are a distinguishing feature of the state's CTE delivery model, providing specialized facilities and instruction to students from multiple sending school districts. These centers, operated by the Kentucky Department of Education, offer programs in high-demand fields that require expensive equipment and specialized instructors that individual districts might not be able to support. The state has made significant investments in CTE through its career readiness initiatives, which have elevated CTE as a core component of Kentucky's education strategy. The state's accountability system recognizes CTE pathway completion and industry certification attainment as key measures of school and district performance.

Louisiana's Jump Start program represents one of the most innovative approaches to Career and Technical Education in the nation. Launched as a key component of the state's education reform efforts, Jump Start provides high school students with industry-valued credentials and workplace experiences that prepare them for high-demand careers. The program operates across all public school districts and emphasizes strong partnerships between schools and regional industries. The state organizes its CTE offerings around regional labor market needs, ensuring that programs align with the economic realities of different parts of Louisiana. From petrochemical industries along the Gulf Coast to healthcare systems in urban centers like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Jump Start pathways reflect the diverse economic landscape of the state. Louisiana has invested heavily in work-based learning opportunities, requiring students to earn industry-based credentials as part of their graduation pathway. This emphasis on credentials has helped the state achieve strong outcomes in connecting education to employment, particularly in high-demand sectors like energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Maine delivers Career and Technical Education through a network of Career and Technical Education Regions (CTERs) and centers that serve students from multiple sending high schools. This regional model allows Maine to offer specialized programs that individual schools could not sustain on their own, providing students across the state with access to high-quality career preparation. The state's CTE system emphasizes hands-on learning and industry partnerships, with programs designed to address Maine's unique economic needs. From boatbuilding and marine sciences along the coast to forestry and natural resources in the northern counties, Maine's CTE offerings reflect the state's distinctive industries and traditions. Maine has been a leader in integrating academic and technical education, requiring CTE programs to incorporate rigorous academic content alongside technical skill development. The state's proficiency-based education system aligns well with CTE's competency-driven approach, creating natural connections between career preparation and academic achievement.

Maryland operates one of the most comprehensive CTE systems in the Mid-Atlantic region, serving students through programs that span all 24 local school systems. The state's Career and Technology Education programs are designed around ten career clusters and offer students structured pathways from high school through postsecondary education and into the workforce. The state benefits from its proximity to major employment centers including the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Baltimore's healthcare and logistics industries, and the cybersecurity corridor along the I-95 corridor. These economic drivers shape CTE program offerings and create abundant opportunities for work-based learning and industry partnerships. Maryland has made significant investments in aligning CTE with its college and career readiness standards, ensuring that CTE completers are prepared for both immediate employment and further education. The state's strong community college system provides natural articulation pathways for CTE students seeking postsecondary credentials and degrees.

Massachusetts has a long and distinguished tradition of vocational technical education, operating one of the oldest and most well-established CTE systems in the nation. The state's regional vocational technical schools serve as full-time educational institutions where students spend their high school years alternating between academic coursework and technical training in a week-on, week-off model. The Commonwealth's CTE system is characterized by high standards and strong outcomes. Massachusetts vocational technical graduates consistently demonstrate strong academic achievement alongside technical proficiency, with many schools maintaining waiting lists for admission. The state's robust economy in sectors like biotechnology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and information technology creates strong demand for CTE graduates. Massachusetts has invested significantly in modernizing its vocational technical schools, with major capital projects to update facilities and equipment. The state's emphasis on integrating academic rigor with hands-on technical training has produced a model that other states frequently study and emulate.

Michigan's Career and Technical Education system is deeply intertwined with the state's industrial heritage and evolving economic landscape. As a state historically defined by advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry, Michigan has developed CTE programs that reflect both its traditional strengths and emerging sectors like mobility technology, cybersecurity, and clean energy. The state delivers CTE through a combination of local school districts, career technical education centers, and intermediate school districts that serve regional communities. Michigan's CTE system serves students at both the secondary and postsecondary levels, with strong articulation pathways connecting high school programs to community colleges and universities. Michigan has been proactive in modernizing its CTE offerings, launching initiatives like the Michigan Career Pathways Alliance to strengthen connections between education and industry. The state's Going PRO campaign has helped elevate the perception of skilled trades and technical careers, addressing workforce shortages in critical sectors.

Minnesota operates a robust Career and Technical Education system that leverages the state's diverse economy and strong tradition of educational excellence. The state's CTE programs serve students in secondary schools and postsecondary institutions across all 87 counties, with a focus on preparing learners for careers in high-demand fields. The state benefits from a dynamic economy anchored by major industries including healthcare, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services. Minnesota's CTE programs are designed to connect students with these employment opportunities through structured career pathways and extensive work-based learning experiences. Minnesota has been a leader in developing articulation agreements between secondary and postsecondary CTE programs, creating seamless transitions for students moving from high school into technical colleges, community colleges, and universities. The state's strong network of two-year institutions provides accessible postsecondary pathways for CTE graduates throughout the state.

Mississippi's Career and Technical Education system plays a critical role in the state's workforce development strategy, serving students through a network of secondary CTE centers and community colleges. The state has made significant investments in modernizing its CTE programs to align with industry demands and provide students with credentials that lead to employment in growing sectors. The Mississippi State Board of Education oversees CTE at the secondary level, while the Mississippi Community College Board manages postsecondary CTE programs. This dual governance structure creates both opportunities for coordination and challenges in maintaining seamless pathways from high school to postsecondary education. Mississippi has placed particular emphasis on growing CTE programs that support the state's economic development priorities, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and logistics. The state's strategic location along the Gulf Coast and major transportation corridors creates unique workforce demands that shape CTE program offerings.

Missouri's Career and Technical Education system is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Midwest, serving students through a network of area career centers, local school districts, and community colleges. The state has a strong tradition of career education that emphasizes preparing students for both immediate employment and postsecondary education. The state organizes CTE around 16 career clusters and offers a wide range of programs that reflect Missouri's diverse economy. From agriculture in rural areas to advanced manufacturing in the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan regions, CTE programs are tailored to meet the workforce needs of local communities. Missouri has been particularly effective in developing regional partnerships between schools, businesses, and higher education institutions. The state's area career centers serve as hubs for CTE instruction, bringing together students from multiple school districts to access specialized programs and state-of-the-art equipment.

Montana's Career and Technical Education system serves students across one of the nation's most geographically vast and sparsely populated states. CTE programs operate in local school districts, tribal schools, and community colleges, with a focus on careers that reflect Montana's distinctive economic landscape. The state's CTE offerings emphasize industries central to Montana's economy, including agriculture, natural resources, healthcare, construction, and tourism. Montana's rural character means that many CTE programs operate in small schools where flexibility and creativity are essential to serving students effectively. Montana has worked to expand CTE access through innovative delivery methods, including distance learning and mobile instructional units that bring hands-on training to remote communities. The state's partnerships with tribal colleges and universities also play an important role in providing CTE opportunities to Native American students across Montana's seven reservations.

Nebraska's Career and Technical Education system provides students with structured pathways to careers across the state's diverse economy. The Nebraska Department of Education oversees secondary CTE programs delivered through local school districts, while postsecondary CTE is offered through the Nebraska State College System and community colleges. The state organizes its CTE programs around the Nebraska Career Education model, which groups career pathways into career fields aligned with the state's workforce needs. Agriculture remains a foundational element of Nebraska's CTE system, reflecting the state's position as a major agricultural producer, but programs in healthcare, business, information technology, and skilled trades have grown significantly. Nebraska has emphasized building strong connections between secondary and postsecondary CTE programs, with dual enrollment and articulation agreements that allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. The state's focus on career-ready graduates has driven investments in work-based learning, industry certifications, and employer partnerships.

Nevada's Career and Technical Education system has experienced rapid growth alongside the state's expanding population and diversifying economy. While the hospitality and gaming industries remain central to Nevada's workforce landscape, the state has strategically expanded CTE programs in healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and logistics to support economic diversification efforts. CTE programs are offered through the state's 17 school districts, with the Clark County School District in Las Vegas serving the vast majority of CTE students. The state also provides postsecondary CTE through the Nevada System of Higher Education, including community colleges and state colleges. Nevada has made significant investments in expanding CTE access and quality, including the development of career and technical academies that offer focused pathways within comprehensive high schools. The state's emphasis on industry-recognized credentials and work-based learning reflects its commitment to ensuring that CTE graduates are prepared for the workforce.

New Hampshire delivers Career and Technical Education through a network of regional CTE centers that serve students from sending high schools across the state. This regional model allows New Hampshire to provide specialized programs that individual schools could not sustain independently, ensuring broad access to career preparation across the state's relatively small geographic area. The state's CTE system reflects New Hampshire's diverse economy, which includes advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, tourism, and construction. CTE programs are designed to connect students with opportunities in these sectors through structured pathways that combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning and work-based experiences. New Hampshire has been proactive in integrating competency-based education principles into its CTE programs, aligning with the state's broader education reform efforts. This approach allows students to progress based on demonstrated mastery of skills and knowledge, creating flexible learning pathways that accommodate diverse student needs.

New Jersey's Career and Technical Education system is one of the most extensive in the Northeast, operating through a network of county vocational-technical school districts, comprehensive high schools, and community colleges. Each of New Jersey's 21 counties has a dedicated vocational-technical school district, providing a strong institutional foundation for CTE delivery across the state. The state's CTE programs benefit from New Jersey's strategic location in the Boston-Washington corridor and its diverse economy, which spans pharmaceuticals, financial services, healthcare, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and technology. CTE pathways are designed to connect students with these industries through rigorous academic and technical preparation. New Jersey has invested heavily in its county vocational-technical schools, many of which have developed selective admissions programs that attract high-achieving students. This has helped elevate the reputation of CTE and demonstrate that career preparation and academic excellence are complementary goals.

New Mexico's Career and Technical Education system serves a diverse student population across a geographically vast state with unique economic and cultural characteristics. CTE programs operate through local school districts, regional education cooperatives, and postsecondary institutions, with a focus on preparing students for careers in the state's key industries. The state's economy is shaped by distinctive sectors including energy (oil, gas, and renewable), federal research laboratories, military installations, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. New Mexico's CTE programs reflect these economic drivers while also addressing the workforce needs of tribal communities and rural areas that comprise much of the state. New Mexico has placed particular emphasis on serving its culturally diverse student population, including significant Native American and Hispanic communities. The state's CTE system incorporates cultural responsiveness into program design and works to ensure that career pathways are accessible to students in every corner of the state.

New York operates one of the largest and most diverse Career and Technical Education systems in the nation, serving students through BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services), local school districts, and the City University and State University systems. The state's CTE programs span the full range of career clusters and serve students in settings ranging from New York City's specialized career academies to rural BOCES centers in the Adirondacks. The state's CTE system benefits from New York's extraordinary economic diversity, which encompasses finance, healthcare, technology, media, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and countless other sectors. This economic breadth creates abundant opportunities for CTE programs to connect students with meaningful career pathways in virtually every field. New York has made significant investments in modernizing its CTE system, including the development of approved CTE programs that meet rigorous quality standards and provide students with both technical skills and academic credentials. The state's CTE approval process is among the most comprehensive in the nation, ensuring program quality and industry relevance.

North Carolina's Career and Technical Education system is one of the most well-developed in the Southeast, serving students through all 115 local school systems and the extensive North Carolina Community College System. The state has built a comprehensive CTE infrastructure that connects secondary and postsecondary programs through clearly defined career pathways. The state's economy has undergone significant transformation in recent decades, shifting from traditional industries like tobacco and textiles to advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, financial services, information technology, and healthcare. North Carolina's CTE programs have evolved to reflect this economic transformation, with growing programs in STEM fields, healthcare, and technology complementing traditional strengths in agriculture and trades. North Carolina's CTE system benefits from strong state-level support and a well-organized governance structure. The Department of Public Instruction oversees secondary CTE, while the Community College System manages postsecondary programs, and both agencies collaborate through career pathways initiatives that create seamless transitions for students.

North Dakota is unique among states in having a standalone Department of Career and Technical Education, reflecting the state's strong commitment to workforce preparation through career-focused education. This independent agency provides dedicated leadership and resources for CTE programs across the state. North Dakota's CTE system serves students in secondary schools, tribal colleges, and postsecondary institutions, with programs designed to meet the workforce demands of the state's evolving economy. The state's energy sector, particularly oil production in the Bakken region, has created significant demand for skilled workers, while agriculture, healthcare, and technology remain important economic pillars. Despite its small population, North Dakota maintains a comprehensive CTE system that provides students with access to diverse career pathways. The state has invested in building strong partnerships between schools and industries, ensuring that CTE programs prepare students for the specific careers available in their communities.

Ohio operates one of the largest and most established career-technical education systems in the United States, serving approximately a quarter million students annually through a network of career-technical planning districts, compact schools, and comprehensive high school programs. The state's CTE infrastructure is organized around 16 career clusters and offers more than 100 distinct career-technical programs spanning industries from advanced manufacturing to healthcare. Ohio's career-technical system is distinctive for its emphasis on career-technical planning districts (CTPDs), which coordinate CTE delivery across multiple school districts. These planning districts ensure that students across urban, suburban, and rural communities have equitable access to high-quality career-technical programs. Many of Ohio's career-technical centers are nationally recognized for their facilities and program outcomes. The state has invested heavily in aligning CTE with workforce development priorities, particularly in advanced manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare. Ohio's TechCred and Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) initiatives complement CTE by funding industry-recognized credentials for workers, creating a pipeline that begins with secondary CTE and extends into postsecondary education and the workforce.

Oklahoma's career and technology education system is recognized nationally for its comprehensive approach to preparing students for both college and career success. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (ODCTE) oversees a statewide network of technology center districts and comprehensive school programs that serve over 130,000 secondary and adult students each year. The state's CareerTech system operates through 29 technology center districts with 59 campuses, providing hands-on training in more than 90 career majors. Oklahoma's technology centers are distinctive in that they serve both secondary students who attend part-time and adult learners seeking new skills or career changes, creating a uniquely integrated approach to workforce development. Oklahoma has consistently invested in aligning its CareerTech programs with state economic priorities, including aerospace, energy, agriculture, and healthcare. The state's strong industry partnerships ensure that program content remains relevant and that students have access to internships, apprenticeships, and job placement services upon completion.

Oregon's career and technical education system serves approximately 95,000 secondary students through a network of school districts, education service districts, and community college partnerships. The state emphasizes CTE as a critical component of its broader education equity goals, working to ensure that all students have access to rigorous career-connected learning opportunities regardless of their background or geography. Oregon organizes its CTE programs around six career learning areas that encompass the 16 national career clusters. The state's approach emphasizes programs of study that provide students with clear pathways from high school through postsecondary education and into the workforce, with strong articulation agreements between secondary and community college programs. The state has been a leader in integrating work-based learning into CTE programs, with initiatives such as the Oregon Youth Employment Program and partnerships with industry sectors including technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and natural resources. Oregon's CTE programs also benefit from strong connections to the state's robust community college system, which provides postsecondary pathways for CTE completers.

Pennsylvania operates one of the nation's most extensive career and technical education systems, with a network of 85 career and technical centers (CTCs) and over 170 approved CTE programs serving more than 180,000 students annually. The state's CTE infrastructure reflects its industrial heritage while evolving to meet the demands of a modern, knowledge-based economy. Pennsylvania's CTE system is organized through area career and technical centers, which serve students from multiple sending school districts, and through comprehensive high school programs that offer CTE within the traditional school setting. This dual-delivery model ensures broad access to career-technical education across the state's diverse communities. The state has made significant investments in modernizing CTE programs, particularly in high-growth sectors such as healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and energy. Pennsylvania's Industry Partnerships and the state's workforce development network collaborate closely with CTE to ensure that programs prepare students for in-demand careers in the Commonwealth.

Rhode Island's career and technical education system serves approximately 18,000 secondary students through comprehensive high schools, regional career and technical centers, and the state's specialized career and technical high schools. Despite being the smallest state by area, Rhode Island has developed a focused CTE system that emphasizes alignment with the state's key industries, including healthcare, marine trades, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. The state's CTE programs are organized around career pathways that connect secondary education with postsecondary opportunities at the Community College of Rhode Island and other state institutions. Rhode Island's PrepareRI initiative has played a central role in expanding work-based learning, dual enrollment, and career-connected learning opportunities for all students. Rhode Island has prioritized CTE as a strategy for economic development, recognizing that a well-trained workforce is essential for attracting and retaining businesses in the state. The close geographic proximity of schools, businesses, and postsecondary institutions in Rhode Island creates unique opportunities for integrated career pathways.

South Carolina's career and technical education system serves over 200,000 secondary students through programs offered in comprehensive high schools and career centers across the state. The state's CTE system is organized around career clusters and pathways that prepare students for high-demand occupations in South Carolina's growing economy, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and logistics. South Carolina has distinguished itself through strong industry partnerships, particularly with the state's automotive and aerospace manufacturing sectors. Companies such as BMW, Boeing, Volvo, and Michelin have invested significantly in CTE partnerships, providing equipment, internships, and advisory support that ensure programs remain aligned with industry needs. The state's Personal Pathways to Success initiative ensures that every student develops an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) that includes a career cluster focus, making CTE an integral part of the educational experience for all South Carolina students. This comprehensive approach has helped increase CTE enrollment and completion rates across the state.

South Dakota's career and technical education system serves approximately 28,000 secondary students through programs offered in school districts and technical institutes across the state. The state's CTE programs are closely aligned with South Dakota's key economic sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, energy, construction, and manufacturing. South Dakota organizes its CTE programs around career clusters and pathways that provide students with clear routes from secondary education through postsecondary training and into the workforce. The state's four technical institutes play a central role in the CTE pipeline, offering advanced training programs that build on secondary CTE foundations. The state has emphasized work-based learning as a critical component of CTE, with programs such as internships, job shadowing, and cooperative education integrated throughout career pathways. South Dakota's strong agricultural economy drives significant enrollment in agriculture education programs, while growing demand in healthcare and technology sectors is expanding CTE offerings in those areas.

Tennessee's career and technical education system is one of the most comprehensive in the Southeast, serving over 190,000 secondary students annually through programs offered in comprehensive high schools and career and technical centers across all 95 counties. The state's CTE system is organized around 16 career clusters with more than 80 defined programs of study. Tennessee has been nationally recognized for its innovative approach to CTE, particularly through the Tennessee Pathways initiative, which creates aligned career pathways from K-12 through postsecondary education and into the workforce. This initiative leverages partnerships between school districts, higher education institutions, employers, and community organizations to ensure that CTE programs meet regional workforce needs. The state's Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect programs provide tuition-free access to community and technical colleges, creating strong postsecondary pathways for CTE completers. These scholarship programs have significantly increased postsecondary enrollment among CTE students and have strengthened the connection between secondary CTE and advanced training opportunities.

Texas operates the largest career and technical education system in the United States, serving approximately 1.8 million secondary students across more than 1,200 school districts. The state's CTE programs are organized around 16 career clusters with over 60 defined programs of study, reflecting the enormous scale and diversity of the Texas economy. The Texas Education Agency's College, Career, and Military Preparation (CCMP) Division oversees CTE program standards and accountability, while local school districts have significant autonomy in program selection and implementation. This decentralized approach allows districts to tailor CTE offerings to their regional economic conditions, from the energy sector in West Texas to the technology industry in Austin and the healthcare sector in Houston. Texas has invested heavily in CTE through initiatives such as the designation of Programs of Study and the expansion of industry-based certifications. The state's strong emphasis on college, career, and military readiness ensures that CTE is positioned as a central component of the high school experience rather than an alternative track. Texas also benefits from extensive partnerships with community colleges, technical schools, and employers that provide dual credit, work-based learning, and apprenticeship opportunities.

Utah's career and technical education system serves approximately 155,000 secondary students across the state's school districts and charter schools. The state's CTE programs are organized around eight career pathways that align with Utah's economic priorities, including technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and natural resources. Utah has distinguished itself through strong connections between CTE and the state's thriving technology sector, often referred to as the Silicon Slopes corridor. CTE programs in information technology, computer science, and engineering benefit from partnerships with leading technology companies headquartered in the state, providing students with access to internships, mentorships, and cutting-edge equipment. The state's CTE system also benefits from Utah's unique educational governance structure, which integrates secondary and postsecondary CTE under a coordinated framework. This coordination facilitates smooth transitions between high school CTE programs and postsecondary technical education, with strong articulation agreements and concurrent enrollment options available statewide.

Vermont's career and technical education system serves approximately 10,000 secondary students through a network of 17 regional career technical education centers across the state. Despite its small size, Vermont's CTE system is well-regarded for its emphasis on quality instruction, industry partnerships, and personalized learning experiences. Vermont's CTE centers serve students from multiple sending school districts, providing access to specialized programs that individual schools could not offer independently. The state's CTE programs span a wide range of career areas, with particular strength in natural resources, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and culinary arts, reflecting Vermont's unique economy and character. The state has embraced flexible pathways and personalized learning plans as core elements of its CTE approach, allowing students to combine CTE coursework with work-based learning, dual enrollment, and independent study to create individualized career development plans. Vermont's CTE system also benefits from strong connections with the state's community college system and regional employers.

Virginia's career and technical education system is one of the most comprehensive in the Southeast, serving over 300,000 secondary students across the state's 132 school divisions. The state's CTE programs are organized around 17 career clusters and offer more than 130 programs of study, reflecting Virginia's diverse economy that spans technology, defense, healthcare, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing. Virginia has been a leader in CTE innovation, particularly through initiatives such as the Workplace Readiness Skills assessment, which evaluates students' competency in essential workplace skills, and the Governor's STEM Academies, which integrate rigorous academics with career-technical education in high-demand STEM fields. The state's CTE system benefits from Virginia's proximity to major federal agencies, military installations, and a thriving technology corridor in Northern Virginia. These connections provide unique work-based learning, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities for CTE students, particularly in cybersecurity, information technology, and government-related career fields.

Washington's career and technical education system serves approximately 260,000 secondary students through programs offered in school districts, skills centers, and interdistrict cooperatives across the state. The state's CTE programs reflect Washington's diverse economy, which ranges from the technology sector in the Puget Sound region to agriculture in the Columbia Basin and natural resources in rural areas. Washington operates 14 skills centers that provide specialized, hands-on CTE training for students from multiple districts. These regional centers complement programs offered in comprehensive high schools and provide access to advanced technical programs that individual districts could not sustain independently. The state has been a leader in establishing CTE equivalency frameworks, which allow students to earn academic credit through CTE courses that incorporate rigorous academic content. This approach has helped elevate the perceived value of CTE and increased participation among students pursuing both college and career readiness. Washington's strong community and technical college system provides robust postsecondary pathways for CTE completers.

West Virginia's career and technical education system serves approximately 42,000 secondary students through programs offered in comprehensive high schools, career and technical education centers, and multi-county vocational centers across the state's 55 counties. CTE plays a particularly vital role in West Virginia's education and economic development strategy, as the state works to diversify its economy beyond traditional extractive industries. West Virginia's CTE programs are organized around career clusters and pathways that align with the state's economic priorities, including healthcare, energy and petrochemicals, advanced manufacturing, technology, and tourism. The state has invested in modernizing CTE programs to prepare students for emerging industries while maintaining strong programs in traditional sectors that remain important to the state's economy. The Simulated Workplace initiative is a hallmark of West Virginia's CTE system, transforming CTE classrooms into functioning businesses where students experience real-world workplace protocols, including drug testing, attendance policies, performance evaluations, and team-based projects. This innovative approach has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in developing workplace readiness skills.

Wisconsin's career and technical education system serves approximately 195,000 secondary students through programs offered in school districts across the state. Wisconsin's CTE programs are organized around six career clusters that encompass the 16 national career clusters, with a strong emphasis on manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and information technology. Wisconsin's CTE system is distinctive for its deep integration with the state's renowned technical college system, which includes 16 technical colleges serving all regions of the state. These institutions provide seamless postsecondary pathways for CTE completers and offer extensive dual enrollment and transcripted credit opportunities that allow high school students to earn college credit through CTE courses. The state's Academies of Excellence and Youth Apprenticeship programs are national models for career-connected learning. Wisconsin's Youth Apprenticeship program, one of the most extensive in the nation, places thousands of students annually in paid work-based learning experiences with local employers, combining classroom instruction with hands-on industry training.

Wyoming's career and technical education system serves approximately 15,000 secondary students across the state's 48 school districts. As the least populous state in the nation, Wyoming's CTE system is designed to maximize program quality and access despite the challenges posed by vast geographic distances and small student populations. Wyoming's CTE programs are aligned with the state's key economic sectors, including energy, agriculture and ranching, healthcare, construction, and tourism. The state's energy sector, encompassing coal, oil, natural gas, and increasingly wind energy, drives significant demand for CTE programs in energy technology, heavy equipment operation, and related fields. The state's CTE system benefits from strong connections with the University of Wyoming and the state's seven community colleges, which provide postsecondary pathways and dual enrollment opportunities for secondary CTE students. Wyoming has also invested in distance learning technologies and mobile CTE labs to extend program access to students in remote communities.