Photo: from Lenoir County Public School Facebook page.

At the February 3rd Lenoir County Public Schools Board of Education meeting, students from the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program shared how the program is shaping their future careers. Serving over 2,000 students annually across 19 career pathways for grades 6-12, CTE provides hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Students from various programs highlighted their experiences. Counseling and mental health students from Kinston High School reflected on job shadowing opportunities that offered insight into the demands of social work. North Lenoir High School’s DECA students emphasized the problem-solving skills they’ve gained through business competitions. South Lenoir High School’s horticulture students discussed how floral design classes foster creativity while teaching industry-specific skills. Additionally, a student intern with Kinston Public Services described the unique opportunity to work on high-value equipment.

These firsthand accounts showcase the impact of CTE, demonstrating how the program equips students with practical skills, industry knowledge, and career readiness.