February is Career and Technical Education Month. Here at DACC, we like to say that every month is CTE Month because we have a passion for preparing students for their future.
Some students come to DACC because they want to pursue a career they love and this path through CTE gives them a head start. Other students come to DACC only to find out that the career they envisioned is not what they want for themselves and they have this opportunity at DACC to explore new opportunities. Still more students come to DACC to explore all of their options and narrow down their career goals before entering the workforce or going to college.
A 2017 study shows that CTE leads to reduced dropout rates and higher rates of on-time graduation. In fact, nationwide the average high school graduation rate was 85%, but for those taking CTE courses the national graduation rate was 95%.
In Ohio, 94% of those concentrating on CTE classes go on to postsecondary education, the workforce, the military, or an apprenticeship.
For those who go directly into the workforce, they’ll find 30 million good jobs—jobs with a median income of at least $55,000—that don’t require a four-year college degree.
Those who go on to college often have a head start, too. About one of every four CTE students graduates with three or more college credits.
Whatever the reason to choose CTE, we are impressed with each and every one of our students for making this choice and thinking strategically about their futures.