Page 22 - Fall 2016 Update

THE CHICAGO LANDSCAPE OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ILLINOIS SPOTLIGHT

The Chicago Landscape of Career and
Technical Education

by Devean R. Owens, OCCRL Graduate Assistant
Anjalé D. Welton, Associate Professor of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
OCCRL Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives and Research Partnerships

In this issue of UPDATE we provide an introductory positive relationships with adults (Ross & Svajlenka,

overview of career and technical education (CTE) 2016). Moreover, for many low-income, high school

programs in both Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the youth, obtaining employment is not optional; it is vital

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). In future issues, we will to supplementing family income and also financially

highlight specific CTE programs and initiatives in the planning for college (College Board, 2016). Students

Chicago area and the innovative partnerships between who participate in high-quality CTE programs graduate

highs schools, community colleges, and industry that from high school at higher rates, are more likely to

make them possible. attend college, and in the long term earn higher wages

than students who do not participate (ACTE, 2016).

The State of Illinois, and the City of Chicago in particular, Additionally, retention and achievement within CTE

have some of the highest unemployment rates in the programs has increased significantly, illustrating

country for youth ages 16 to 19 years old students have the commitment and dedication

and 20 to 24 years old, and both lead the needed to promote a skilled workforce

nation in Black youth unemployment (Illinois Community College Board,

(Cordova, Wilson, & Morsey, 2016; Based on 2014 2014).
Ross & Svajlenka, 2016). Based

on 2014 data, in Chicago 16% data, in Chicago 16% Students are not the only

of 16– to 19-year-olds are of 16- to 19-year-olds beneficiaries of CTE programs.
employed, which is significantly are employed, which is Employers report that participating
lower than the national average in initiatives that help youth acquire

of 29% (Cordova et al., 2016). significantly lower than the specialized skills positively impacts
Conversely, employment rates for national average of 29% their companies and industries as a
20- to 24-year-old Chicagoans whole. Furthermore, participating

is on par with the national average (Cordova et al., 2016). business organizations gain a more

of 65% (Ross & Svajlenka, 2016). robust talent pool, a diverse and

Furthermore, only 12% of Chicago innovative workforce, positive press

Black youth ages 16 to 19 years old and branding opportunities, as well as

and 41% of youth ages 20 to 24 years old economic development that boosts business

were employed (Cordova et al., 2016). Even prospects (Cahill & Jackson, 2015).

still, nationally the Black youth employment rate is

still disconcertingly low as only 21% of Black 16- to Finally, the way in which young people navigate

19-year-olds (Cordova et al., 2016) and 57% of Black postsecondary education and the workforce is changing.

20- to 24-year-olds are employed (Ross & Svajlenka, The traditional pathway involves enrolling in some

2016). form of postsecondary education immediately after

high school and subsequently entering the workforce

CTE is one programmatic solution to address this equity upon receiving a degree. However, the non-traditional

concern by providing youth the academic and technical pathway will soon be the norm as more young people,

skills needed to become more employable. For high approximately 8% of the workforce and 70 to 80% of

school youth especially, employment connected to college students, are simultaneously enrolled in some

their career goals and aspirations can offer additional form of postsecondary education while earning a living

learning opportunities outside of formal schooling (Carnevale, Smith, Melton, & Price, 2015). Ultimately,

that broaden their networks and help them develop youth who earn a college degree are more likely to