The AIRSS team is proud to present the second issue of our new digital publication, The Prairie Career Advocate. This storytelling effort is part of the Rural IL CTE Project that AIRSS and the Illinois State Board of Education began in 2023.
We encourage you to read the issue below, featuring Reed-Custer Community Unit School District 255-U, to learn more about the successes of their CTE programming and how your district could potentially start a similar program in your community. The links in the document will work if it is downloaded to a computer; otherwise you can find them at the bottom of this page. You may download the PDF by clicking the three dots on the bottom right of the menu, then clicking “Download.”
If you have any questions or comments about the Advocate, please contact Program Director John Glasgow at john@airssedu.org.
Commentary: Defending Public Education Means Investing in Rural Education
The simple fact of the matter is that public education is the backbone of our society and economy. Without strong schools, we cannot have a strong and vibrant community. This is a reality that we in rural know without question, so it is always heartening to see when that fact is acknowledged, especially by public officials. This piece from the Daily Yonder, one of the nation’s premier rural journalism outlets, underscores this importance.
Teens are losing interest in school, and say they hear about college ‘a lot’
There’s growing data that younger generations are less interested in traditional schooling and college than ever before, and that they desire non-college career training opportunities. NPR recently shared this Gallup and Walton Family Foundation poll highlighting once again that our education system is not engaging and preparing students for the lives they seek to lead, nor the realities of the world at large. A major part of this disconnect is the near exclusive emphasis on college versus any other alternative.
‘Inspiring and eye-opening’: Gen Z’s interest in skilled trades is rising
This is one such recent research effort that underscores the growing desire for skilled trades training among students. The demand for CTE is stronger than ever just as we are least positioned to offer students truly equitable and adequate CTE programming. Findings like this article are further fuel to the fire for more fully funding and support career and technical education for all students and every career pathway.
2025 IACTE Conference
Registration for the 95th Illinois Association of CTE Conference is open! This year the event will be held on February 13th-14th at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield. If you’d like to learn more from other educators, programs, and industry partners, be sure to register.
New Survey Reveals Gen Z Youth Pursuing Nondegree Paths After High School Feel Confident and Workforce Ready
Moreover, this white paper from American Student Assistance and Jobs for the Future surveyed 1,100 high school graduates and found that non-college students who pursue a career pathway option feel more confident in their skills and trajectory. However, there is still work to be done as one-third of all non-college students felt they would have done more career training in high school had they known more about it and encouraged to pursue those pathways by their school.
Work-based Learning for All: Aligning K-12 Education and the Workplace for both Students and Teachers
Last, this policy perspective piece from the Federation of American Scientists neatly articulates the profound need for work-based learning, career readiness training, and CTE experiences in our public schools. Among their perspectives is promoting externships for teachers and expanding competency-based learning models.
Rural IL CTE Project Portal
Visit the Rural IL CTE Project Portal for the latest tools, tips, guides, and resources your rural CTE program needs! From research, case studies, an asset map, and more, we’re working to provide you with everything you need to grow and sustain an exemplary program for students. The Portal is updated regularly with new content, and any suggestions and criticisms are welcome.
The links on this page, and throughout the Advocate, are active when viewed in the original PDF format.