Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a core focus of our work and supports our vision of ensuring every student is skillfully prepared for life after high school. Last month was designated National CTE Month, dedicated to recognizing the pivotal role in preparing students for the future.
We are proud to have over 70 career academies in middle and high schools across Pinellas County. These academies can earn an Academy of Distinction designation, assessed by local business leaders in the Stavros Career Education Board using a national criteria rubric. Academies earning this distinction are truly exemplary.
As part of the CTE Month celebration with Pinellas County Schools, more than 20 top-performing career academy programs were showcased before the February 13 School Board Meeting. During the meeting, seven career academies received recognition for earning their Academy of Distinction designation this year. This designation is valid for five years and awards $4,000 in funding for their program.
Outstanding academies can earn a DITEK Distinguished Honors designation, an award introduced last year. This year, six of the seven academies receiving the Academy of Distinction were also honored with the DITEK Distinguished Honors, earning them an additional $3,000 in funding.
Congratulations to the following programs who were honored:
Academy of Distinction & DITEK Distinguished Honors
- Clearwater High School’s Career Academy for International Culture & Commerce
- Palm Harbor University High School’s Academy of Business Administration Management
- Lakewood High School’s Athletic Lifestyle Management Academy
- Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School’s Construction Technology Academy
- Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School’s Veterinary Assisting Academy
- Seminole High School’s Sustainable Engineering Academy
Academy of Distinction Honor
- East Lake High School’s Academy of Biomedical Sciences
Many thanks to our Stavros Career Education Board members who take time out of their schedules to visit academies, provide insight, and ensure program curriculum stays current with today’s employer needs.
