The graduation rate for Georgia students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs continues to rise. According to state education officials, the number of CTAE students graduating in 2019 reached 96.54 percent –- exceeding the statewide graduation rate by 14.54 percentage points.
And the students are putting the credentials to work. While the 2019 placement rate for high school graduates who are pathway completers – in postsecondary education or advanced training, in military service, or in employment six months following graduation – is not yet available, the 2018 rate is 99.6 percent.
Allie Elise Tucker, a 2019 graduate of Camden County High School, says CTAE has given her a head start on her college education and helped her make connections between her coursework and career goals.
Tucker completed two CTAE pathways – Pharmacy and Patient Care – and is currently a student at the University of Alabama planning to pursue a career in the healthcare industry.
“For example, my CTAE experiences have been invaluable in my Ethics course, where job and employment application and judgment and decision-making go hand in hand,” Tucker said. “I have been able to use those experiences as I respond to ethical issues across many different settings and environments.”
“Our goal in education is to prepare students to live fulfilling lives,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “We want students to find careers they love. We want them to use their skills and talents to contribute to their communities and build the future of our state. Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education makes that happen by connecting Georgia’s K-12 schools with business and industry and helping students see the relevance of their education. This year’s graduation rate shows the program continues to succeed.”
According to state education officials, Georgia’s CTAE program leverages partnerships with industry and higher education to make sure students are ready to take their next step after high school. Students can take courses in more than 100 Career Pathways within 17 Career Clusters, earn recognized industry credentials, participate in work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities, and serve as leaders through membership in co-curricular Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs).
