Dr. Tricia Mooney has been the superintendent of Hermiston School District, Eastern Oregon’s largest, since 2017. With 29 years in education, she has served as assistant superintendent, director of human resources, adjunct professor, and principal at both the elementary and middle school levels, as well as a Title I and sixth-grade teacher. Dr. Mooney is deeply committed to fostering achievement for all students and enhancing teaching and learning. Recently, she was appointed vice chair of Oregon’s Quality Education Committee, reflecting her leadership in advancing educational standards statewide. Her dedication continues to shape student success and inspire excellence in education.
Ask any parent or educator about the ultimate goal of education, and the answers are likely to converge: we want our children to thrive. Whether that means attending college, entering a trade, or starting a business, our schools should be preparing students for the real world. For too long, we’ve treated success as a one-size-fits-all concept, narrowly focused on
four-year college degrees as the only path forward. It’s time to recognize that there’s more than one way to thrive—and Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a powerful pathway that’s reshaping the future of K-12 education and changing the narrative that a four-year college is the only option.
CTE programs bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce, equipping students with practical skills and industry experience. They offer students something every school should: relevance. Instead of our students asking, “Why am I learning this?” students in CTE programs see how their education connects directly to their futures. And the results speak for themselves.
Making Education Meaningful
As educators we have all known at least one student who feels disengaged in school, sitting in math classes and wondering when they’ll ever use algebra. Now imagine that same student enrolled in a CTE engineering program, designing a bridge or building a robotic arm. Suddenly, math isn’t just abstract—it’s a tool for creation.
This is the magic of CTE. It makes learning meaningful. Students in these programs don’t just learn—they do. They weld, they code, they design, they heal. In fields ranging from healthcare to agriculture, information technology to the arts, CTE students gain hands-on experience that transforms their education into something tangible.
Research shows that students who participate in CTE are more engaged in school, less likely to drop out, and better prepared for life after graduation. Why? Because they see a direct connection between their learning today and their goals for tomorrow.
Skills That Matter
Beyond the technical expertise, students develop in CTE programs, they also build essential “soft skills” like communication, collaboration, and complex problem-solving. These are the traits employers consistently say they value most—and they’re not exclusive to any one career path.
In fact, the beauty of CTE is its flexibility. Whether a student dreams of becoming a nurse, a software developer, an entrepreneur, or a construction foreman, these programs lay a foundation for success. For some, CTE is a springboard to college, with opportunities to earn dual credits or industry certifications. For others, it’s a launchpad to the workforce, providing them with the skills and confidence to start a career right after high school.
Broadening Opportunities
CTE isn’t just about teaching skills; it’s about opening doors. These programs are a lifeline for students who may struggle in traditional academic settings or who need an alternative to the four-year college track.
For example, a student who feels disconnected in standard classes might excel in a construction trades program, where they can see the immediate impact of their work. Another might find their passion in a culinary arts program, discovering a talent they never knew they had. CTE provides options—and options mean opportunity.
What’s more, CTE is a critical tool for promoting equity. By offering industry-recognized credentials and access to high-demand career pathways, these programs level the playing field, giving every student a chance to succeed regardless of their background.
Building Stronger Communities
The benefits of CTE extend far beyond individual students. These programs strengthen entire communities by addressing workforce needs and fostering partnerships between schools and local industries. When students graduate with the skills employers are looking for, everyone wins.
Take the construction industry as an example. Many regions are facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, and CTE programs are stepping in to fill the gap. Similarly, healthcare-focused CTE programs prepare students to enter a field that desperately needs fresh talent. This kind of alignment between education and industry is a model for the future.
Changing the Conversation
For years, our national narrative about education has been overly focused on college admissions. We celebrate students who get into prestigious universities while ignoring the fact that many of them will graduate with mountains of debt and few job prospects.
Meanwhile, the skilled trades, healthcare, and technology sectors are begging for workers. These are jobs that pay well, offer stability, and don’t require a four-year degree. Yet we’ve undervalued these pathways, leaving countless students unaware of the opportunities available to them.
CTE changes the conversation. It tells students, “There’s more than one way to succeed.” And it backs up that promise with programs that prepare them to thrive in college, career, and beyond.
Investing in the Future
If we want to build a better future for our students and our communities, we need to invest in CTE. That means expanding access to these programs, building partnerships with local industries, and providing the resources necessary to keep them cutting-edge.
It also means changing the way we talk about success. We need to celebrate the student who earns a welding certification or starts an IT apprenticeship with the same enthusiasm we reserve for college acceptances. Every pathway has value, and every student deserves the chance to find theirs.
Career and Technical Education is more than a program—it’s a promise. A promise that education can be relevant, inclusive, and empowering. A promise that every student can discover their potential. It’s time to keep that promise.