Gordon Cooper students showcase CareerTech programs as agency reports enrollment growth

Students from Gordon Cooper Technology Center presented program demonstrations and competition results to the CareerTech board, while agency communications staff summarized draft business-plan and annual-report metrics showing increased enrollments and participation statewide.

Student presentations: Several students described hands-on projects and competitive achievements. Rachel Pritchett, an instructor and alum, recounted her training path: "I was a nurse by the time I was 18," and spoke about returning to teach. HOSA and FCCLA students detailed state and national competition participation, community outreach (LEGO drives, mentoring programs) and industry certifications (CNA, phlebotomy, EKG) that many students earn before graduating.

Agency report: Russell (communications and marketing) presented highlights from the draft annual report and 2024 business plan, noting increases across several measures and a plan to publish finalized numbers after verification. He described business-spotlight features, a new biweekly "CareerTech News" product and success stories intended for broader publicity. Russell cautioned the audience the document was still being verified: "These are drafts. It's not final. We can make changes to this document."

Why it matters: Presentations illustrated the pathway from classroom to credential to employment and the agency report quantified participation growth that agency leaders say underpins the budget request discussed later in the meeting.

Next steps: The board accepted the presentations and report materials; a campus tour was offered for board members after the meeting.