MSD Celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE) throughout February as part of CTE Month

Nationally, February is recognized in schools as Career Technical Education (CTE) Month. Here in the Medford School District, we’re proud to offer all our high school students the option of taking CTE courses. The CTE Pathway is just one of three Pathways students can pursue in the MSD. 

"There's an idea out there that CTE is only for kids who don't plan to go to college, but studies have shown that CTE concentrators are actually more likely to enroll in postsecondary education, whether that is towards a degree or a certificate,” Pathways Coordinator Dr. Larina Warnock said. “The true beauty of CTE is in its impact on student confidence, self-esteem, and hope for the future." 

CTE prepares students with rigorous academic work and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare them for further education and careers. Many of these professions include high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries. Students in the CTE Pathway learn from industry professionals, and many of their classes are aligned with a community college program, allowing them to earn college credits for free in high school.

In January, the Oregon Department of Education released the 2023 graduation rates, and CTE concentrators (students who have earned two or more credits in a single CTE program of study) in the MSD had a graduation rate of over 95%. 

“We want all options to be open and hopeful for our students! That’s why one of the most important things we can do as educators is connect our students to learning by making education relevant and interesting,” said Superintendent Bret Champion. “It’s incredible to see how successful they are when they’re genuinely interested in their work and that’s evident with our CTE students. 

Some career clusters MSD offers in CTE include Automotive Technology, Broadcast Journalism, Business Marketing, Computer Science, Construction, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Pre-Education, Engineering, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Agriculture Technology. 

Students in each cluster also have the opportunity to pursue industry-recognized credentials such as SolidWorks certification and to participate in a Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO). CTSOs give students the chance to practice what they've learned through a variety of competitions, as well as to learn more through leadership conferences.

Students are encouraged to select their Pathway by the end of their Freshman year. Click here to learn more about the CTE Pathway and Pathways program in the MSD.