certifications, and even college degrees while still in high school. Businesses gain access to a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable to emerging technologies. Communities benefit from schools that are deeply engaged in local economic development. The future priorities are ambitious: embracing the impact of AI, expanding dual enrollment opportunities, building more industry-aligned programs, and ensuring every student who wants a CTE experience has access to one. “Career technical education today is not the vocational education of the past,” leaders stress.“It’s modern, innovative, and designed to give students a competitive edge in both college and career.” As New Jersey looks to the future, its career technical education system continues to evolve as both an educational and economic engine. Rooted in a century of history yet firmly focused on tomorrow, the state’s collaborative model demonstrates how public investment, industry partnership, and educational innovation can work together to build opportunity. From the $275 million expansion to the integration of cutting-edge fields like biotechnology and advanced manufacturing, New Jersey is proving that when students are given the right tools and experiences, they not only succeed—they thrive. With a legacy of impact and a future of possibility, New Jersey’s CTE programs are preparing the next generation of workers, innovators, and leaders to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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