Illinois CTE Project Focuses on Preparing Students for Future Workforce
Northern Illinois University’s Illinois Career and Technical Education (CTE) Project is working to ensure all Illinois students have access to meaningful work and a living wage, according to project leaders.
The project envisions a future where all Illinoisans have access to employment that provides not only financial stability but also a sense of dignity and belonging. A key component of achieving this vision, officials say, is effective and engaging Career and Technical Education at the K-12 level.
The NIU Illinois CTE Project operates as a partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education’s CTE team, with a focus on several key areas. These include engaging educators in professional learning opportunities statewide related to CTE and Illinois Career Pathways, creating and modifying instructional materials for classroom use to promote access for all students, and enhancing CTE teacher recruitment and retention efforts.
“We want to ensure that CTE classrooms across Illinois have high-quality CTE teachers who can connect with, support, and challenge all learners,” said Melina Wright, Interim Director of the NIU IL-CTE Project. She can be reached at mwright6@niu.edu or by phone at 815-753-6864.
The project also oversees the annual ISBE Career Connections Conference, a major event for CTE professionals in the state. Current efforts include maintaining a 2023-2024 ISBE CTE Professional Learning Calendar, facilitating an ISBE Career Pathways User Group, and producing the Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads series on YouTube.
The NIU Illinois CTE Project is one component of the Illinois P-20 Network’s Career and College Readiness Area of Focus, highlighting a statewide commitment to preparing students for both higher education and direct entry into the workforce.
Governor Pritzker’s proposed FY2027 budget, announced on February 20, 2026, maintains stable funding for K-12 and higher education, with modest increases allocated to CTE and a new Vocational Training Grant Program. This builds on years of progress and extends several impactful education-to-career initiatives, according to budget highlights.
The Illinois State Board of Education’s overarching goal is to ensure every child makes significant academic gains each year, increasing their knowledge, skills, and opportunities so they graduate equipped to pursue a successful future, with a particular focus on addressing historic inequities.
The project offers CTE educator professional development, the annual ISBE Career Connections Conference, and resources for both new and experienced CTE educators. Project leaders encourage those working in the field to reach out with suggestions for additional opportunities or support.
Career Technical Education is seen as a vital component in preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce, equipping them with industry-relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies. The NIU Illinois CTE Project aims to support this effort across the state, fostering a future where all Illinoisans have access to meaningful and fulfilling work.
