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Board celebrates CTE Month as district reports nearly 50 youth apprentices and about $6M in grants
Summary
CNUSD honored Career and Technical Education Month and highlighted rapid apprenticeship growth—nearly 50 apprentices—and roughly $6 million in combined grant funding this school year, while board members discussed labor-market limits that affect program expansion.
The board recognized February as Career and Technical Education Month and heard from Rob Ibbotson and coordinator Tricia Jenkins about CNUSD’s expanding CTE pathways and youth apprenticeship work.
Ibbotson told trustees the district now operates CTE pathways in 13 of 15 state industry sectors and has grown youth apprenticeships from zero three years ago to nearly 50 students. “So right around $6,000,000” in combined grant funding supported CTE programs this school year, he said, citing a mix of k12 strong workforce, CTIG, Perkins and Golden State Pathways grants.
Students who participate described paid, work‑based learning and classroom experiences that helped them confirm career interests and build practical skills. One student said the education pathway helped her commit to a Cal State Fullerton program in urban learning and gave her weekly opportunities to run math groups and prep for elementary classrooms.
Trustees and staff discussed program choices and limitations. A board member urged restoration of fashion and cosmetology pathways; Ibbotson cautioned that grant funding is tied to regional labor statistics (Centers of Excellence) and that certain programs, like cosmetology, may not produce enough local job openings to justify grant support. “If I turn out 30 kids that are certified… there’s not enough job openings out there,” he said.
Ibbotson described industry partnerships, apprenticeships registered with federal apprenticeship standards, and ongoing marketing efforts (videos, social posts, expos) to increase student and parent awareness. He said the district planned new grant applications in the coming month to sustain and grow programs.
Board members thanked CTE teachers and staff and asked staff to consider additional pathways requested by families; presenters urged alignment to labor‑market demand and continued strategic grant writing.
