Juneau — Secondary school leaders told a March 31 joint education committee meeting that career and technical education (CTE) programs across Alaska provide hands‑on learning, raise graduation rates and prepare students for immediate employment or further training.

Rick Dormer, principal of Ketchikan High School and president of the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals, provided examples of local CTE offerings—maritime and fisheries programs, aviation partnerships, automotive repair, construction of small housing units, and culinary and health‑career training—and described how those programs keep students engaged.

"CTE courses... they bring students to school," Dormer said. He gave personal anecdotes: his daughter earned a CNA license in high school and secured better employment while in college; students with CTE backgrounds can enter lucrative jobs directly from high school.

Why it matters: Witnesses said CTE supports workforce development in Alaska, complements academics and can improve graduation rates. Dormer thanked the Legislature for expanding the Alaska Performance Scholarship to include CTE tracks and urged continued investment in equipment, staffing and partnerships—particularly because CTE programs are resource‑intensive.

Implementation and equity: Dormer noted that districts often welcome part‑time or homeschooled students into CTE courses, but that rural and small districts face high startup costs for vocational programs. He urged continued support for partnerships—such as with University of Alaska Southeast in Ketchikan—that enable dual‑credit classes and practical career pathways.

Evidence: The CTE discussion began with Dormer’s presentation of statewide CTE data and local program descriptions (topic intro) and continued through examples of college and work transitions for students (topic finish).