Everett Public Schools highlights CTE growth, industry partnerships and student credentials

Everett Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff told the board of directors on March 11 that the district has expanded industry partnerships, increased student access to industry-recognized credentials and dual credit, and stepped up community outreach to drive program enrollment and employer connections.

CTE Director Anthony Anderson framed the work around “listen, learn, lead,” saying the program has increased outreach to families, students and industry partners and used that feedback to add uniforms, mentorships and summer internships that students requested. “We listen to our families, we listen to our industry partners, we listen to our educators within our system, and we listen to our students,” Anderson said.

The update described a multi-pronged approach: more visible marketing (CTE posters, magazines for elementary students, bus advertisements and a trailer for community events); expanded employer engagement through a General Advisory Council and Program Advisory Councils; and school-level changes such as purchasing uniforms to give students a stronger sense of identity in specific pathways.

Anderson and his team listed new or strengthened partners, including a local dealer identified on the record as Pierre Buick/GMC of Everett, which the presentation said has donated vehicle shells for hands-on work in the district’s auto/technician program and made mentorship and hiring commitments. The district also said industry partners have volunteered to host students, provide mentors, and support knowledge fairs and site visits.

The presentation included outcomes the district is tracking: increases in industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) and dual-credit attainment compared with last year, growth in student participation in signature programs such as Everett Career Links, and higher student membership in CTSOs and leadership activities. Anderson cited an internal example in health pathways: “Out of the 23 students, we have 17 students that moved on from the health care academy that are now in the nursing assistant certification programs,” he said.

Board members asked for contact paths for prospective employer partners. Anderson said the district consolidated outreach and marketing functions and named Bree Youngberg as the primary contact for businesses interested in partnering; materials and a QR code on the CTE website were presented as the onboarding route.

Directors praised the visibility work and the program’s statewide leadership. Director Hermann said the marketing and employer credentialing “give students the sense of ‘this is what I can do, and I’ve earned this.’” Director Ravalonski called the CTE team “second to none.” A student team member, Vignesh, was recognized during the meeting as a national DECA champion.

The board took no vote on the update; the presentation was informational and will inform planning and possible budget recommendations during upcoming bond and program discussions.