Celebrating Career and Technical Education Month

February marks Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to recognize the important role CTE plays in preparing students for their future. 

 

What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)?

CTE provides students with hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world careers. Through career exploration, skill development, and industry-connected learning, CTE helps students discover their interests, build confidence, and prepare for high-demand careers while still in school.

CTE in School District 197

In School District 197, students participate in meaningful experiences that prepare them for life beyond high school. Through programs at Two Rivers High School and our TriDistrict CAPS programs, students explore careers in culinary, child development, healthcare, transportation, business, natural resources, technology, and others while working alongside industry professionals. 

Students across the district are already making an impact through these opportunities. 

• TriDistrict CAPS Transportation & Trades students installed a sidewalk extension at Two Rivers in partnership with industry professionals. 
• TriDistrict CAPS Healthcare students researched and presented solutions to improve student attendance, sharing their ideas with public health and school leaders. 
• TriDistrict CAPS Business students pitched original ideas to industry judges, with some earning internship opportunities to further develop their ventures. 
• Work-Based Learning students are gaining experience through internships at local businesses, connecting their classroom learning to career pathways.
• TriDistrict CAPS Natural Resources, Sustainability, & Food Systems students are building solar panels as they learn about alternative energy sources and the sustainability practices District 197 is implementing.

Building on this strong foundation, the district is expanding opportunities even further with two new programs. 

• TriDistrict CAPS Natural Resources, Sustainability & Food Systems:  This immersive opportunity, which is housed at Dodge Nature Center, allows students to explore the world of modern agriculture and natural resources—from sustainable food systems and urban farming to agribusiness and technology—often learning directly from regional industry experts in the field.  
• Student Help Desk: Acting as a professional IT hub within the school, this opportunity (which will also be a class for students beginning Fall 2026) allows students to serve as a first layer of service for technical troubleshooting, hardware repair, and software support, helping them to develop communication and problem-solving skills required in the tech industry.

These experiences help students develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional communication—essential skills for success in college, career training, and the workforce.

Expanding Access to Career Pathways

In our continued effort to expand access to career and technical education skills development, Two Rivers was recently awarded a Youth Skills Training Grant to further bridge the gap between education and employment. This grant’s purpose is to increase the number of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) participating in paid internships in the agriculture and/or computer science/information technology fields by spring 2027.

To achieve this, the district is focusing on:

• Identifying and developing partnerships with businesses to provide internships, job shadowing, and mentorship.
• Providing career coaching and support specifically for students with IEPs, including specialized training for case managers.
• Developing and aligning curriculum to ensure agriculture and IT pathways meet the needs of all learners.
• Creating a Career Center within School District 197 to provide resources and implementing a Career Seminar specifically for students with IEPs.

Earning College Credit and Industry Credentials

School District 197 also provides opportunities for students to earn college credit and industry certifications while still in high school. Through concurrent enrollment courses, workforce credential programs like Certified Nursing Assistant training, and hands-on technical programs, students graduate with valuable experience and credentials that give them a head start on their future.

Career exploration begins early in School District 197, with expanded elective opportunities in middle school and nearly 175 course offerings at Two Rivers High School. Our goal is to ensure every student graduates with a plan and the skills needed to succeed—whether that path leads to college, technical training, or directly into a career.

During Career and Technical Education Month, we celebrate the students, educators, and community partners who make these opportunities possible. Their work is helping students build skills, discover their passions, and prepare for bright futures.