Newly released data from the Department of Education points to the increasing demand in Michigan for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. In the last decade alone, the number of CTE completers has more than doubled.
Key Points:
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- In the 2024-25 school year, a record 55,431 students in Michigan completed CTE programs.
- During the prior school year, 52,625 people completed a CTE program.
- Last year’s increased enrollment marked the fourth straight year of growth.
- Total enrollment in the 2024-25 school year was 114,495.
CTE:
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- CTE programs prepare students for careers in areas ranging from agriculture to skilled trades, to public safety, to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- These programs contribute to meeting several goals in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, including:
- Goal 4 – Expand secondary learning opportunities for all students.
- Goal 5 – Increase the percentage of all students who graduate from high school.
- Goal 6 – Increase the percentage of adults with a post-secondary credential
- Earlier this year, the State Board of Education passed a resolution urging the legislature to increase CTE funding.
- The department is calling for additional investment over the next five years to expand opportunities for students who, due to funding, geography, transportation, and cultural barriers, have not been able to access state-approved career-tech programming.
“The increasing number of Michigan students who are enrolling in and completing CTE classes and programs make clear that young people have a tremendous attraction to CTE programs and the high-wage and high-skills careers that often stem from them,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “The numbers would be even higher if students had greater access to programs that interested them. CTE programs can also engage students in learning who might otherwise drop out.”
