How Ohio’s Career-Technical Education Programs Fuse Academic Rigor and Real-World Experiences to Prepare Students for College and Careers

Career and technical education (CTE) in Ohio has received a statewide renovation during the past two decades. The programs now integrate academics in a rigorous and relevant curriculum and focus on high-skill, high-demand career clusters and career pathways. CTE programs also partner with postsecondary institutions, offering students opportunities for dual enrollment so that they can graduate with college credits, a few steps closer to degrees or even employment. This report touches on the implementation of Ohio’s three-pronged CTE structure while spotlighting real student experiences. The report also discusses how the state of Ohio ensures accountability and its plans regarding CTE in the future.