Career and Technical Education, Tech Prep, and Student Outcomes From the Texas Rio Grande Valley

• In Event: Career and Technical Education, Community Colleges, and Outcomes

Abstract

A consortium of partners in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas—a grouping of policymakers, practitioners, economy drivers, and researchers—is working together to facilitate, fund, and research Career and Technical Education (CTE) as well as Tech Prep programming across 32 districts in the area. The study examines student outcomes related to high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment and attainment, and workforce entry. Findings from multiple cohorts suggest CTE Tech Prep participation may positively impact transitions to higher education and benefit students in both their ability to attain higher education credentials and/or higher wages.

Authors

• Jessica Ann Brown, The University of Texas - Austin

• Celeste Alexander, The University of Texas - Austin