The Charleston County School District is witnessing a remarkable increase in student enrollment in career and technical education (CTE) programs. New data, released on Tuesday, shows a 50% rise in participation across a variety of fields designed to prepare students for high-skill, high-demand, and high-wage jobs. These courses cover diverse areas, ranging from healthcare and horticulture to construction and engineering.
Notable Enrollment Growth at Key Centers
At the Center for Advanced Studies at West Ashley High School, 700 students are currently enrolled in 1,100 CTE courses. Meanwhile, the Cooper River Center for Advanced Studies has 750 students enrolled in 1,150 courses, marking a 44% increase from last year. The largest CTE enrollment is at the East Cooper Center for Advanced Studies, where 1,800 students are participating in 2,800 courses.
Preparing Students for the Future
Richard Gordon, Executive Director of CTE, emphasized that students involved in these programs are less likely to drop out and more likely to succeed after graduation. “CTE prepares our kids for the future, for whatever that next step is,” Gordon said. Whether students are heading to college on a scholarship, entering the workforce, or joining the military, CTE plays a key role in ensuring their success.
CTE: A Strategy for Student Success
According to the district’s latest report card, about 47% of students are considered career and college ready. Gordon noted, “All of our CTE courses are high skill, high demand, and high wage, and they prepare our students for the next level, for the 21st-century global economy.”
The district’s commitment to CTE is setting students up for success, not only in high school but also in their future careers. With growing participation, the CTE programs in Charleston are showing a strong model for student achievement.
