Superintendent highlights career education's role in Wyoming's strategic plan

Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder emphasized the significance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) during a gathering on February 10, attended by Wyoming legislators, educators, and high school members of CTE student organizations. The event marked the celebration of CTE and featured Governor Mark Gordon signing a proclamation declaring February as Wyoming CTE Month.

"CTE is a key part of my strategic plan, and we’ve made great progress expanding opportunities in Wyoming, from competency and work-based learning pilots where students can move at their own pace with real-world experiences, to streamlining and increasing funding opportunities," said Degenfelder.

Degenfelder praised the students for their dedication and highlighted the role of CTE across the education system. She acknowledged the progress achieved through collaborations with the University of Wyoming College of Education and Wyoming Community Colleges.

"The UW College of Education is a proud partner of the Wyoming Department of Education and supporter of Wyoming’s CTE community. We know the most important initiatives in our state are best served by working together. We are committed to preparing the next generation of CTE educators and have seen dramatic enrollment increases in our CTE teacher preparation program over the last year," said Jenna Shim, John P. "Jack" Ellbogen Dean at the University of Wyoming College of Education.

Recent data shows that over 9,500 secondary school students and 5,582 community college students were CTE Concentrators in 2024—a 3.1 percent increase from 2022. These concentrators had a graduation rate of 95 percent compared to their peers' rate of 81.6 percent. Additionally, 4,355 high school graduates earned college credit while still in high school, and 3,139 obtained Industry Recognized Credentials through CTE courses.

The breakfast was facilitated by the Wyoming Association for Career and Technical Education (WACTE). President Heath Hornecker expressed gratitude for growing support: "I am grateful for the growing support for our Career and Technical Education programs. Stakeholders around the state realize they are not only the skilled workforce we desperately need but also solid community members who will engage and make Wyoming strong over the coming decades."

Represented Career and Technical Student Organizations included DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), National FFA (FFA), and SkillsUSA. In 2024, these organizations had 6,681 student members across 183 chapters in Wyoming. Business partners supporting additional programs like CyberWyoming and Prostart were also present.

Watch Superintendent Degenfelder’s remarks during the event [here](https://fb.watch/xKhxDVZa7V/) and Governor Gordon signing the proclamation [here](https://fb.watch/xKhzDmj4Cx/).

For further information:

Linda Finnerty

Chief Communications Officer

307-777-2053

linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Information from this article can be found here.