Between 2005 and 2015, the percentage of graduates who completed the requirements for both the University System of Maryland and the Career and Technology Education program increased, from 12.1% to 12.9%. These students are demonstrating college and career readiness through a strong academic and technical program completion. During that same time, the percentage of students completing the University System of Maryland requirements increased 57.0% to 59.0% in 2015. Students completing just the requirements for a Career and Technology Education program increased slightly, from 8.1% to 8.2%.

Career and Technology Education programs are updated and expanded to reflect the changing requirements for career entry and success. Working with business and industry partners, as well as with institutions of higher education, the Maryland State Department of Education supports a variety of State Career and Technology Education Programs of Study. These programs provide expanded opportunities for students to gain the academic and technical skills for entry into a career pathway.

Career and Technology Education programs prepare graduates for a broad range of career opportunities based on Maryland’s economy. For example, the fastest growing Career and Technology Education programs are in the areas of pre-engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer science - key industry sectors with expanding opportunities in Middle-Skills jobs and advanced Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. The Maryland State Department of Education encourages all students to complete both options so they are college and career ready.

To ensure that Maryland students are prepared for college and competitive in a modern economy, all students are encouraged to explore a range of career fields and to take advantage of early college credit options through AP Exam credit, Career and Technology Education program articulation, and Dual Enrollment – taking college courses as a part of the high school program. As a result, more high school graduates are getting a jump start on college and career success.

Career and Technology Education programs vary by school system, and additional information is available here.

The percent of high school graduates who successfully completed the minimum course requirements needed to enter the University System of Maryland or complete an approved Career and Technology Education program.