CTE Month in Citrus Schools

Celebrating Career and Technical Education: Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Workforce

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to recognize the critical role of workforce education in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern job market. Far from the traditional vocational classes of the past, today’s CTE programs are dynamic, innovative pathways that connect students directly to promising careers.

Citrus County Schools is a beacon of innovation and excellence in CTE, offering a diverse array of programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers. Our district provides CTE opportunities in both middle and high schools, with the largest offerings at the high school level. With more than 120 CTE courses and over 70 industry certifications available, students can explore more than 30 different programs of study pathways that connect to various industries. These programs offer hands-on experience, industry-relevant curricula, and opportunities to earn credentials that can lead directly to employment or further education.

Leading Signature Academies

One of the hallmarks of Citrus County’s CTE offerings is our specialized academies, which provide students with in-depth training and industry-recognized certifications in their chosen fields.

• The Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School is the longest-standing magnet program in the district, with over 30 years of history. It serves as a cornerstone of our CTE programs, offering five distinct pathways: Biomedical Science, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dental Assisting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Veterinary Assisting. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on training, and leadership development, students in this academy gain the skills and experience necessary to pursue further education or enter the healthcare field immediately after graduation.
• The Academy of Computers at Citrus High School (CHS) prepares students for careers in computer science, cybersecurity, and digital technology. Students gain critical programming skills and earn industry certifications, including Entrepreneurship & Small Business, WordPress, and IT Specialist credentials in Python, Java, and Cybersecurity. The curriculum covers multiple programming languages, including block-based coding, equipping students for successful careers in technology.
• The CHS Construction Academy, our newest CTE academy, provides students with a strong foundation for careers in the building and construction industry. Utilizing curriculum from the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the nation’s leading educational resource for construction-related CTE, students develop skills that prepare them for both postsecondary education and immediate entry into the workforce. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on training in carpentry, electrical work, and construction safety, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs at each of our three high schools offer students a unique pathway into the world of childcare and education. Through comprehensive on-campus classes, students can earn critical hours toward daycare certification while gaining invaluable hands-on experience working with Pre-K students at affiliated elementary schools. At Crystal River High School, the Treasure Chest Learning Center stands as an innovative centerpiece of this program, serving as an onsite daycare that provides students with real-world opportunities to apply their developing skills in early childhood development and care. This program not only prepares students for potential careers in education and childcare but also supports local families by providing high-quality early learning experiences for young children in the community.
• Visual Arts Pathways and the Lecanto School of the Arts offer students passionate about the visual arts opportunities to earn certifications in Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. The unique Lecanto School of the Arts program (LHS) is designed for students passionate about the visual arts. It offers pathways in Painting/Drawing (2D Art), Sculpture/Pottery (3D Art), Digital Design, and 3D Animation Technology.

Expanding CTE Across Our High Schools

In addition to these signature academies, each of our high schools offers a variety of career-focused learning experiences through in-school academies:

• Agriculture – Teaching students about animal science, crop management, sustainable farming, and agribusiness.
• Culinary Arts Academy – Providing hands-on experience in professional cooking, food safety, and restaurant management.
• Drafting and Design Academy – Introducing students to architectural principles, technical drawing, and computer-aided design (CAD).
• Business Academy – Equipping students with marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship skills, along with opportunities to develop business plans and understand economic principles.
• JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) – Fostering leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility among students interested in military and public service careers.

These programs allow students to explore career options, gain industry certifications, and participate in internships that provide real-world experience before they even graduate.

Embracing CTE through the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme

The International Baccalaureate (IB), through its Career-related Programme (CP), has embraced CTE. The CP is an international education framework that integrates IB values into a unique program tailored specifically for students pursuing career-related education. This program provides students with the opportunity to gain a global perspective on career pathways while receiving a rigorous education that prepares them for both higher education and successful careers across various industries.

Commitment to Growth and Workforce Readiness

Expanding CTE opportunities has been a personal priority, as I—like many others—have successfully leveraged workforce certifications into a fulfilling career. It is also a key priority for the Citrus County School Board and, most notably, for Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert. As a proud father of a son working in construction, HVAC, and electrical trades—who began his journey in the U.S. Army and WTC—Dr. Hebert is deeply committed to strengthening CTE programs. Under his leadership and with the school board’s support, we continue to enhance and expand our offerings. Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce welding and mechanical studies at each of our high schools. Recently, Dr. Hebert had a team of district CTE leaders visit aerospace machining programs in Brevard County to explore potential future opportunities for our students.

Additionally, through partnerships with Withlacoochee Technical College (WTC) and the College of Central Florida (CF), our students have access to postsecondary workforce dual enrollment opportunities. These partnerships allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their career paths. Some programs allow students to earn industry licenses, providing direct pathways to employment.

Celebrating the Impact of CTE

As we celebrate CTE Month, it is essential to recognize the profound impact these programs have on our students and the community. CTE is not just about learning a trade—it’s about empowering Citrus students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the workforce. Whether they choose to enter the job market directly or pursue further education, our CTE students graduate with real-world experience and industry-recognized credentials that set them apart.

Happy CTE Month!

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