State Board official says career-technical programs grew rapidly; students describe hands-on benefits

Josh Whitworth, executive director for the State Board of Education, told the Senate Education Committee on Oct. 25, 2025, that Idaho’s career and technical education (CTE) programs have expanded sharply and now serve a large share of high school students.

Whitworth told senators the CTE division under the State Board oversees instruction from middle and high schools through the state’s technical colleges and runs programs such as fire-service and STARS motorcycle training to serve rural communities. "Our mission is preparing Idaho's youth and adults for high-skill, in-demand careers," he said.

Whitworth said CTE program enrollment and offerings have risen in recent years: programs grew about 49% over four years; the system serves roughly 72,000 students; and about 71% of Idaho high school students take at least one CTE course. He told the committee there are 14 career-technical schools and CTE components in more than 147 school districts, and the system awarded…