Who really benefits from CTE programs?

ALL STUDENTS interested in:

• Learning academic content through practical applications
• Life skills that apply to all careers
• Workplace readiness skills
• Focused high school studies that lead to a career
• Courses and programs that use industry-standard technology
• Great jobs with good pay and employee satisfaction

In many CTE programs, students also receive:

• First-hand experience in a career area while still in high school
• A "leg-up" in college programs

• Do CTE programs affect my high school diploma?

  You bet! CTE courses satisfy the diploma requirement for practical arts and for elective credits.

  The Standard Diploma requires

  • one credit in fine arts or practical arts and
  • six elective credits

  The Advanced Studies Diploma requires

  • one credit in fine arts or practical arts and
  • two elective credits

  Plus

  • Certain licensure exams or industry certifications, taken as part of the CTE program, may be counted as student-selected VERIFIED CREDITS needed to graduate from high school. If the CTE program sequence is completed, the student may earn an additional VERIFIED CREDIT.  (link opens a PDF document)
  • You may qualify for a CTE seal on your Virginia high school diploma. (link opens a PDF document).