Empowering Futures: A Look into Citrus County’s Career & Technical Education Programs

Last evening, I had the privilege of speaking to the Downtown Inverness Rotary in Inverness, Florida. The Rotary clubs in our community are immensely supportive of Citrus County students and schools, and I always appreciate opportunities to share updates on our initiatives. I was invited to speak by Doug Lobel, Rotary Foundation Chair and Downtown Inverness club member, who extended the invitation after hearing a similar presentation I delivered at the Kings Bay Rotary in September. Wendy Everett, the club’s president, gave me a warm and thoughtful introduction, which truly set the tone for a great evening. Her kind words highlighted the Rotary’s dedication to the impact that Citrus County Schools can have in shaping our community’s future.

During my presentation, I discussed Citrus County Schools’ commitment to providing high-quality education, focusing on our efforts to equip students with practical, workforce-ready skills. One of the primary ways we achieve this is through our extensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which are designed to develop our students’ skills and meet industry demands. Currently, Citrus County Schools offers over 155 CTE courses within 38 unique Programs of Study Pathways, which lead to more than 70 industry-recognized certifications. Through these pathways, students gain hands-on experience in various specialized fields, allowing them to explore potential careers and develop the skills that will serve them well after graduation.

I highlighted a few notable CTE programs that offer students hands-on learning and industry connections. These include the Academy of Computers and the Construction Academy, both at Citrus High School, as well as the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School. Additional pathways in agriculture, culinary arts, drafting, business, and JROTC provide students with diverse career preparation options, and we’re excited to add new offerings in welding and mechanical studies in the near future. Each program provides students with immersive experiences that enable them to gain confidence, develop industry skills, and explore their interests.

One program I discussed in greater detail was the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School, the longest-standing magnet program in Citrus County Schools and a cornerstone of our CTE offerings. This academy, now nearly 30 years old, prepares students for further education and careers in healthcare through a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes leadership, team-building, and hands-on healthcare experience. Over the years, the Academy of Health Careers has successfully produced a wide range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, first responders, engineers, and military leaders. The success of this academy is evident in its alumni, who now serve in critical roles across the state and region.

The importance of this program is even more striking when we consider the current workforce demands for healthcare professionals. In our region, there are approximately 1,000 annual job openings in healthcare, and statewide projections suggest over 50,000 positions will be available, with demand increasing by about 30% each year. Programs like the Academy of Health Careers not only prepare students to meet these needs but also position Citrus County as a vital contributor to Florida’s healthcare workforce.

These CTE programs on our high school campuses are making a significant impact—not just by preparing students but also by addressing essential workforce gaps locally and across the state. I am proud to have been part of the expansion of CTE offerings in Citrus County high schools over the last five years, and I look forward to sharing even more about the exciting initiatives we’re planning to introduce soon.

It was truly a pleasure to share this vision with the Downtown Inverness Rotary. I’m grateful for their interest and continued support of Citrus County Schools’ CTE programs. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of our students and strengthening the local workforce. My heartfelt thanks go to Doug Lobel, Wendy Everett, and all the members of the Rotary for the opportunity to connect and share the impactful work happening within Citrus County Schools.

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