As a means to raise awareness for career-oriented programs, the annual Career and Technical Education month started this week. 

“CTE programs encourage students who aren’t academically as inclined to pass classes,” Web Design teacher and SkillsUSA adviser Denise Snow said. “It encourages those students to be overall better students and actually increases the graduation rate. Making people aware that these programs are available for that type of learner is very important for everyone out there who is always [posting] about [how] ‘we don’t teach students how to do taxes.’ It’s not true. All the CTE classes teach those skills. ”

CTE month was made to celebrate the value and achievements of these types of programs that exist across the country. Over the course of this month, program teachers will be celebrating with students in various ways, such as social media posts that feature students and what they’re doing in their programs. 

“I’m in fashion design and have been for the past couple years,” sophomore Daniela Ayala said. “Being in this program has really changed my life more than it would’ve at my public school. Through being here I’ve learned what it really takes to [pursue] fashion design rather than just being interested [in it] from [afar].”

Some teachers are pushing to help CTE month, as well as the field of study, become more recognized across campus and America. Teachers are hoping to mainly get more students in the clubs that they have. 

“CTE programs are something I’ve always been involved in,” Interior Design teacher and FCCLA adviser Shannon Sheldon said. “I even used to teach Ms. Carlson fashion design over at Las Vegas High School. I really hope that the programs [gain] awareness because being an adviser of FCCLA as well as a program teacher, it’s important for me that students join.”

Throughout the month of February, each club will have specific days for members to celebrate. SkillsUSA and FBLA celebrate during the first week of February, while FCCLA celebrates during the second week. 

“We really just want awareness for the clubs because they’re so great to join and I don’t think people realize that,” DECA member Jacob de Leon said. “We learn so many life skills and it looks good on college [applications] but it’s fun at the same time. We get to travel and learn public speaking and leadership [skills] at conferences as well, so it’s really beneficial.”