New Hanover and Pender County Schools are partnering with Cape Fear Community College to bring a career and technical education — or CTE — high school to the region. The nontraditional school, which could open as early as next year, removes a barrier to education: the cost.
Career technical classes are currently offered at the area high schools, but they’re lower level — a student would have to wait to graduate and then pay to attend community college to advance their skills and receive the necessary career certifications. CFCC board member Ann David serves on the CTE work group, and she says the new high school would remove that cost barrier and pave the way for students to pursue their chosen professions:
“When they graduate from high school in four years, they would not only have their high school degree but would also have the certification to proceed right on in to the occupation they’re dreaming of. It saves them money and it allows them to get their career jump-started much more quickly.”
David says career-readiness doesn’t just benefit the student – it also helps to spur economic growth in the region. Businesses want to set up shop where qualified workers are ready for hire.