The graduation rate for students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education programs has risen to 96 percent in Georgia.

This rate – which applies to students who complete a Career Pathway – exceeds the statewide graduation rate by 15.4 percentage points.

“Students need to be engaged and see the relevance of their education – and CTAE makes that happen,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “We continue to see that students who complete a Career Pathway are prepared for their future – whether that’s higher education, serving in the military, accepting an apprenticeship or going directly into their career. CTAE connects Georgia’s K-12 schools with business and industry, building a qualified pipeline of students who are ready to participate meaningfully in Georgia’s industries and communities. It’s a win for Georgia’s economy and a win for Georgia’s graduates.”

Georgia’s CTAE program leverages partnerships with industry and higher education to make sure students are ready to take their next step after high school. Students can take courses in more than 100 Career Pathways within 17 Career Clusters, earn recognized industry credentials, participate in work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities, and serve as leaders through membership in co-curricular Career and Technical Student Organizations.

“Pathway completion helps to keep students in school and helps to get students focused on a very important target – their careers,” State CTAE Director Dr. Barbara Wall said. “Pathway completers are more likely to graduate and more likely to continue in post-secondary education.”

Students who complete a Career Pathway are prepared to pursue higher education (through the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, or another institution), enter the military, accept an apprenticeship opportunity or immediately begin their career.