Nine Career Technical Education Programs Of Study Honored For Their Excellence

WASHINGTON, DC  — On April 9, nine programs of study were recognized as "Excellence in Action" award winners, representing the best Career Technical Education (CTE) has to offer. These programs of study were selected based on their uniquely inventive and effective approaches to stimulating student learning, offering extensive work-based learning experiences, maintaining strong partnerships with industry and community organizations, and preparing students for postsecondary and career success.

The National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) is pleased to recognize the following award winners:

  • Agriculture, Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, IL (Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster)
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Upper Valley Career Center, OH (Architecture & Construction Career Cluster)
  • Academy for Business and Finance, Bergen County Technical Schools – Bergen County Academies, NJ (Business Management & Administration Career Cluster)
  • Emergency Medical Services, Walters State Community College, TN (Health Science Career Cluster)
  • Culinary Arts Academy, Lorain County Joint Vocational School, OH (Hospitality & Tourism Career Cluster)
  • Early Childhood Education, Henderson County High School, KY (Human Services Career Cluster)
  • Welding Technology Program, Butte-Glenn Community College, CA (Manufacturing Career Cluster)
  • Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography, Marine Academy of Science and Technology, NJ (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Career Cluster)
  • Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Academy, Omaha Bryan High School, NE (Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Career Cluster)

"These Excellence in Action award winners exemplify everything that high-quality CTE programs can and should be," says Kimberly Green, executive director of NASDCTEc. "These programs have students graduating at above-average rates, are aligned with employer and industry needs and certification standards and build meaningful partnerships, all to prepare students to succeed in their careers."

Two-page profiles of each winner, detailing their unique strengths and opportunities are available at the NASDCTEc website.

About NASDCTEc
The National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) was established in 1920 to represent the state and territory heads of secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across the nation. NASDCTEc, through leadership, advocacy and partnerships, aims to support an innovative CTE system that prepares individuals to succeed in education and their careers, and poises the United States to flourish in a global, dynamic economy.

Featured

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • S4L Announces 2026 Education Design Showcase Winners

    Spaces4Learning is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Education Design Showcase! Now in its 27th year, the annual awards program honors innovative solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction across K–12 and higher education.

  • California Middle School Breaks Ground on Major Renovation Project

    The Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) in Hillsborough, Calif., recently began construction on new multipurpose and administration facilities for Crocker Middle School, according to a news release.

  • Florida District Completes Construction on New Leadership Institute

    Pinellas County Schools near Tampa, Fla., recently announced that construction is complete on the new Dr. Michael A. Grego Leadership Institute, according to a news release. The district partnered with Rowe Architects for the project’s design and with Skanska for construction services.