State Board official says Idaho career-technical programs grew 49% in four years; students tell lawmakers how CTSOs shaped their plans

BOISE — Josh Whitworth, executive director for the Idaho State Board of Education, told the Senate Education Committee that Idaho’s career and technical education delivery system has grown rapidly and now serves tens of thousands of students statewide.

Whitworth described program growth, connections between secondary and postsecondary technical programs, and the State Board’s role overseeing career-technical work alongside other divisions. He said the division now serves about 72,000 students and that roughly 71% of Idaho high school students take at least one CTE course. "Students can enter wherever they're at and get the education they need and then build upon that as they go through our system," Whitworth said, describing a system that spans middle and high school through technical colleges and adult education.

Why it matters: Committee members heard the growth figures as evidence that CTE is increasingly a standard part of Idaho students’ education and a pipeline into the state workforce. Whitworth framed the work as industry-driven: employers help set program standards, educators write assessments and update learning outcomes, and technical colleges receive students who want to continue into certificates and workforce programs.

Details and evidence: Whitworth said CTE programs grew about 49% over four years, that the program network includes 14 career technical schools and CTE components in 147 school districts, and that 3,341 CTE diplomas were awarded (figures as reported to the committee). He also summarized the postsecondary pipeline: six technical colleges, four community colleges and two four-year institutions provide technical education; the division reported increasing certificates and degrees and high placement rates for completers. Whitworth said adult education served about 4,500 clients in 2024 and reported an 81% GED pass rate in Idaho versus 72% nationally (figures as reported).

Students who participate in CTSOs (career and technical student organizations) told the committee how those programs affected them. Aiden Panacacci, identified as president of the Technology Student Association (TSA), said the organization offered "a platform for personal growth, leadership development, and meaningful connections" and recalled competing at the national level. "CTSOs are far more impactful than they may seem at first glance. They provide a platform where students are genuinely motivated to succeed," Panacacci said.

Emily Davis, identified as president-elect of Idaho HOSA (Future Health Professionals), described finding career focus through health-science coursework and HOSA activities. "HOSA opened a world of possibilities," Davis said, and she detailed competing in parliamentary procedure and logging more than 90 mock meetings as part of that preparation.

Committee reaction and context: Committee members praised the students and noted that many high-performing graduates now report some CTE experience. Whitworth and lawmakers emphasized the industry-education feedback cycle — employers help define skills, educators set learning targets and assessments, and students apply skills in workplace settings.

What was not decided: The presentation was informational; no committee votes or formal actions were taken on CTE funding or policy during this session.