Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs allow Delaware students the chance to earn early college credits, industry-recognized credentials and work experience while still in high school. To earn a living wage in today’s economy, all students must pursue education beyond high school. This education can include a two-year or four-year college degree, certification program, apprenticeship, formal job training or military service. The type of education students choose depends on each student’s unique interests and skills.
Delaware is a leader in CTE and uniquely positioned to be a model for the nation. Search the resources below for more information on CTE programs in Delaware.
Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century (known as Perkins V)
The federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (known as Perkins) focuses on helping states, local education agencies, and postsecondary institutions enhance career and technical education (CTE) programs as well as strengthen opportunities for youth and adult learners. Perkins authorizes the Delaware State Board of Education to supervise CTE programs throughout the state.
Under Perkins, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) supports continuous improvement in CTE programs of study. DDOE conducts CTE site visits in districts and charter schools on a five-year rotation schedule. Each visit looks at progress made from the previous visit around the academic achievement of CTE students, connections between high school and post-high school education, and local and state accountability.
The CTE statewide plan is part of Delaware’s Combined State Plan under the Delaware Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Delaware revised the four-year state plan in school year 2022-23.
Additional Information and Resources
CTSOs promote career excellence, leadership, and citizenship for students involved in Delaware CTE programs. The Delaware Department of Education requires CTSOs to be an integral part of high-quality CTE programs.
Select icons below for more information about each Delaware CTSO
Find the most current CTE resources for Delaware educators, including additional resources available on the CTE Cadre/Roundtable Schoology group.
- Vocational Schools (14 DE Code, Chapter 26)
- Career and Technical Student Organizations (14 DE Code, Chapter 32)
- State Content Standards (14 DE Admin Code, Chapter 1, Section 501)
- Alignment of Local School District Curricula to the State Content Standards (14 DE Admin Code, Chapter 1, Section 502)
- Instructional Program Requirements (14 DE Admin Code, Chapter 1, Section 503)
- High School Graduation Requirements and Diplomas (14 DE Admin Code, Chapter 1, Section 505)
- Policies for Dual Enrollment and Awarding Dual Credit (14 DE Admin Code, Chapter 1, Section 506)
- Requirements for Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs (14 DE Admin Code, Chapter 1, Section 525)
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Child Labor Provisions for Non-agricultural Occupations Under the Fair Labor Standards Act for Cooperative Education and Diversified Occupations programs, specifically requirements that must be addressed in work site agreements (page 24 and Page 25).
