The Okaloosa County School District has been making strides in Career and Technical Education (CTE) as they work to lead the way in Florida. With an eye on meeting local industry needs and preparing students to explore, compete, and succeed as lifelong learners, the district has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to support its CTE students.
In the 2021-2022 school year, OCSD offered 19 different CTE programs and 101 different courses, and the results speak for themselves.
The number of certifications earned in the 2021-2022 school year is a testament to the district’s commitment to CTE. A total of 1,382 Industry Certifications were earned, along with 1,079 Digital Tool Certificates. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as the district also earned ~$820,286 in CAPE funds, which go directly back to the program that earned them.
- Since 2007, the district has earned over $10.2 million in CAPE funding, and 18,576 industry certifications have been earned.
- This funding has been integral to the success of the district’s CTE programs, and the district’s commitment to excellence in CTE has resulted in impressive outcomes, according to the OCSD.
80% of all CTE courses are honors or Advanced Placement weighted credit courses. 45 of the district’s CTE courses meet the Fine/Practical Art graduation requirement, while 12 meet the Online Course graduation requirement. Four of the courses satisfy a Science elective credit.
- These courses not only prepare students for their chosen careers but also provide a well-rounded education that meets graduation requirements.
Currently, the OCSD has 7,846 high school and middle school students enrolled in CTE courses, demonstrating that CTE is a popular and highly-valued educational choice among students. The district offers a wide range of programs to suit the interests and skills of a diverse student population, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Carpentry, Nursing, and Welding.
CTE has come a long way in recent years, and Okaloosa County School District’s dedication to CTE is proof that investing in CTE can pay dividends for students, educators, and the community as a whole. For more information about the district’s CTE programs, visit www.mycteworks.com.
