February is National Career and Technical Education Month
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EmailLearn about and support your local career and technical education programs.
Career and technical education is education that directly prepares students for high-wage, high-demand jobs and careers, according to the Association for Career and Technical Education. In Michigan and nationally, career and technical education provides educational opportunities in a variety of career fields including health care, information technology, manufacturing, hospitality and management, agriculture and more.
“Celebrate today, own tomorrow!” is the theme of Career and Technical Education Month. Career and Technical Education Month is a public awareness campaign that takes place each February to celebrate the value of career and technical education and the achievements and accomplishments of career and technical education programs across the country.
Michigan Department of Education released that “over 96% of Michigan career and technical education graduates were successfully placed in 2016.” This currently exceeds the federal goal of 95%. Career and technical education uses a combination of methods to help young people learn skills including in and out of class lessons, certifications and work-based learning opportunities like internships and co-ops to name a few.
What can you do to support career and technical education during Career and Technical Education Month?
- Learn more about the career and technical education programs in your area. Explore career and technical education in Michigan and search for your local career and technical education programs.
- Promote Career and Technical Education Month in your local newsletter or social media.
- Create a bulletin board.
- Use career and technical education services in your work or as a citizen that can benefit programs and students. Many services are available and opportunities for community members to support their local programs. For example, Michigan State University Extension worked with the Commercial Art program at the Van Buren Technology Center to develop the layout and design of our 4-H Youth Business Guide to Success curriculum. It was a win-win experience for all involved.
- Volunteer or provide your time, talent and expertise to a local career and technical education program.
- Serve on an advisory committee if asked.
Michigan 4-H Youth Development connects with and supports career and technical education in many ways across Michigan.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development helps to prepare young people for successful futures. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education, or entrepreneurship, email us at 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.
