More Urbana students enrolling in Career and Technical Education courses

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Urbana School District is seeing more of its students joining Career and Technical Education classes.

Urbana School District #116 announced Tuesday afternoon they are seeing an increase in the number of students taking CTE courses. This department at Urbana High School offers classes in Agriculture, Applied Technology, Business, Cooperative Career Education, Family and Consumer Sciences and Information and Technology.

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According to the district, students who take CTE courses are more likely to graduate high school than those who don't. Their four-year graduation rate for CTE concentrators is 94.4%

CTE programs in Illinois provide instruction that allows students to work in high-wage, high-skill and in-demand occupations. They strengthen students' technical skills and help with transitions to postsecondary programs and employment.

As of the 2023-24 academic year, the state had over 285,000 students participating in CTE classes. This included over 111 programs available to students.

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