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District outlines CTE expansion and seeks to increase Black student representation in AP and dual‑enrollment
Summary
Presenters told the board they are expanding CTE/KTEC pathways and recruiting Black students for career programs while noting Black AP/dual‑enrollment participation at Charlottesville High School fell 22% since 2022–23; district leaders proposed targeted outreach, student ambassadors and counseling changes.
Charlottesville City Schools staff used the March 11 work session to highlight career and technical education expansions and to surface representation gaps in advanced coursework at Charlottesville High School.
CTE presenters said Black students comprise about 26% of total CTE enrollment across grades 7–12, with marketing and STEM among the larger enrollments. The district has secured a Go Virginia grant to provide nine hands‑on modules at the middle school level, is expanding guest speakers and industry partnerships, and is pursuing an LPN program (application submitted to the Board of Nursing) to broaden health‑care pathways. Presenters emphasized that CTE can provide credentials and immediate wage‑earning opportunities and that a stigma that CTE is only for lower‑performing students needs to be addressed.
High‑school leaders said access to AP and dual‑enrollment courses is an area of concern: Black AP/DE enrollment at CHS dropped from 77 students to 60 students since 2022–23, a decline district staff said they are attempting to reverse with targeted advising, student ambassadors and increased promotion of UCGS (uniform certificate of general studies) PVCC offerings. Staff also noted that while roughly half of Black students enrolled in AP exams scored a 3 or higher on the exam, course completion rates (course grades) were higher — about 80% — suggesting students are passing coursework even when exam participation or scores lag. A district leader said the minimum GPA for some UCGS access was 3.3 as of January 2026, which could affect eligibility and outreach plans.
Board members suggested using student ambassadors and enhanced outreach to parents and teachers; district staff said they will revisit course recommendations and academic advising processes and continue efforts to align career pathways and advanced coursework with students' post‑secondary goals.
