By Dr. Laura Barrett
ESU 13
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a program designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge in various industries, preparing them for careers in high-demand fields. This need is particularly critical in rural areas, where industries such as agriculture, healthcare, trades, and business form the backbone of local economies. By integrating academic learning with hands-on experience, CTE helps bridge the gap between education and the workforce. This ensures that students see the opportunities available to build meaningful careers within their rural communities, while meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in these vital industries.
At ESU 13, our commitment to Career and Technical Education (CTE) extends beyond the classroom—we’re working to strengthen our region’s workforce, revitalize our communities, and provide meaningful opportunities for students and educators. Through strong partnerships with organizations such as Career Connections of Western Nebraska and the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), we are actively supporting CTE programs that prepare students for in-demand careers while ensuring our communities continue to thrive.
For educators, ESU 13 offers a CTE Educators Workshop, a collaborative space where CTE teachers can access resources, network with peers, and share best practices. Additionally, we partner with Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) to provide professional development days designed to enhance teaching strategies and align instruction with industry needs.
For students, our partnership with Career Connections of Western Nebraska brings Career Cab Days, an immersive experience for 10th graders from 23 high schools across the region. Career Cab places students in targeted career categories such as the Trades, Healthcare, Arts & Media Communications, Criminal Justice, Business, Education, and Agriculture & Natural Resources—allowing them to explore real-world employment opportunities within their local communities. The goal is not just to connect students with careers but to highlight the opportunities, civic engagement, and high quality of life available in rural Nebraska. As rural communities face workforce shortages in key industries, initiatives like Career Cab Days play a vital role in retaining talent and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these essential sectors.
Through the partnership with Career Connections of Western Nebraska, ESU 13 is working with eight schools in our region to develop internship programs with local organizations. This initiative strengthens ties between students and their communities, demonstrating that fulfilling careers and leadership opportunities exist right here at home. By giving students firsthand experience in local industries, we are not only preparing them for the workforce, but also fostering a sense of connection and investment in their rural communities.
In addition to these efforts, ESU 13 manages and facilitates the regional consortia for the Carl Perkins Grant. The Carl Perkins consortia is used to ensure that schools have access to essential funding for CTE programs. These grants help provide updated equipment, professional development opportunities, and other resources that enhance career education.
ESU 13 is more than just a support system for schools—we are a driving force in building strong, vibrant communities. By investing in CTE, we are shaping a future where students, educators, and local industries work together to sustain and grow our region’s economy while addressing the unique workforce challenges faced by rural Nebraska.