By Shawn Wright-Browner, IPLI Mentor & Director/Principal at J. Everett Light Career Center

School districts are continuously reviewing avenues for our students to find success once their K-12 education program is completed.  For many years, the term “vocational education” brought visions of students who were not headed for post-secondary education.  Now, the term “Career-Technical Education” (CTE) has replaced the outdated vocational education mindset.  Students are now entering a world of post-secondary industry credentialing, apprenticeships, as well as post-secondary coursework.  The education and job landscapes are now combining to provide incredible opportunities for our state’s graduates.  School systems are embracing the challenge to create as many pathways as possible for our students including courses in pre-engineering, computer science, health science careers, auto service industry, advanced manufacturing, culinary arts, cosmetology and emergency services.

CTE has developed pathways to lead students directly to high-wage, high demand jobs, or go to college.  Students who complete a CTE program have the opportunity to earn college credit from an accredited institution and are also eligible to earn industry recognized certifications.  CTE certifications are aligned with Indiana’s economic sectors and allow students to join the workforce in a desired high demand, high wage field, increasing their lifetime earnings.

The state of Indiana is now requiring students complete a Graduation Pathway during their four years of high school.  The students that engage in CTE courses will fulfill the Graduation Pathway requirement while also gaining the necessary post-secondary college credit or industry certification necessary for immediate success following high school. 

At the J. Everett Light Career Center, we offer programs such as Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Engineering, Health Careers Education, Dental Careers, Welding and Law Enforcement.  A list of all of our programs can be found at www.jelcc.com.

If you are needing guidance or would like to visit the J. Everett Light Career Center, please don’t hesitate to contact me – mailto:[email protected].