MCOE CTE director announces $360,000 grant to add CNA, convening for instructors and May skills competition

Eric, the director of college programs, presented the county's CTE (career and technical education) work and the district-level analysis used to produce a college-and-career indicator (CCI). He said the county has adult programs in medical assistant, dental assistant and phlebotomy, and that MCOE had "submitted, a an application and then awarded it for over $360,000 to offer CNA through MCLA as well." Eric said the grant will cover student expenses and equipment so labs can be used long-term.

Eric outlined how the CCI is computed and showed county spreadsheets comparing district preparedness. He emphasized aligning pathways to labor-market information and announced a March 25 convening for CTE instructors (by pathway) and a college-hosted inter-county skills competition on May 16 for patient care, welding and woodworking, inviting community judges. "We're gonna get them together on March 25 and, guide them through that process," he said, describing a countywide effort to align standards so students who move between sites can advance smoothly.

The director also described a push to reframe career guidance so students are exposed earlier to trade careers and occupations with strong demand and pay. He told the board that many tradesworkers are nearing retirement and that the county needs to encourage younger students into those fields.