01-29-2026 Gov. Mike Braun Celebrates Impact of Indiana's Career and Technical Education Programs as Pathway to Well-Paying Jobs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

Gov. Mike Braun Celebrates Impact of Indiana's Career and Technical Education Programs as Pathway to Well-Paying Jobs

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mike Braun today called attention to the successes of Indiana's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in creating clear pathways to prepare students for in-demand, well-paying jobs that drive our state's economy. He celebrated those successes while hosting a proclamation signing at the Statehouse declaring February 2026 as CTE Month in Indiana.

Gov. Braun was joined by Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner, educators, and local CTE students. During the event, Gov. Braun and Sec. Jenner spoke about the growing impact of CTE programs and the opportunities they create for Indiana students.

"Career and Technical Education prepares Hoosier students for the most in-demand careers that power our economy," said Gov. Braun. "Our North Star is more jobs and higher wages, and career and technical training is a big part of getting there. Indiana's CTE programs are giving students transferable skills and a clear pathway to success after graduation."

Participation in CTE programs has never been higher. During the 2025-2026 academic year, more than a quarter of a million Indiana students were enrolled in at least one CTE course. Indiana currently offers 65 CTE programs of study, helping students explore high-demand fields including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, digital technology, agriculture, skilled trades, and more.

"These programs connect classroom learning to real-world experiences," said Sec. Jenner. "CTE helps students gain confidence, earn credentials of value, and get a head start on their next steps, whether that's entering the workforce, pursuing a certificate, or continuing their education."

Over half of the 2024-2025 graduating class achieved CTE concentrator status, with many earning dual credits and credentials of value while still in high school. Nearly 10,000 CTE students also participated in work-based learning experiences aligned to their career pathways, gaining hands-on experience with Hoosier employers.

The proclamation formally recognizes February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month in Indiana and encourages Hoosiers statewide to celebrate and support CTE programs and students.

For photos from today's proclamation signing and past events, please visit the Governor's official Flickr page, HERE.

Griffin Reid
Press Secretary
Office of Governor Mike Braun
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 317-391-9475