The Power of Career and Technical Education: Preparing Indiana Students for the Future 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is transforming how Indiana students prepare for their futures.  

For many high school students, the future feels uncertain, as choosing a career path, preparing for college, and making big life decisions can be overwhelming. However, Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses provide a solution, offering students hands-on experience and real-world knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their futures. 

At Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA), students like Madison can take full advantage of CTE programs to gain clarity, confidence, and direction in their career paths. 

How CTE Helped Madison Find Her Future 

Madison joined INGDA in her freshman year and quickly discovered the value of CTE courses. Currently a junior, she’s now taken multiple CTE classes, including forensic science, law and order, and cultures and corrections. These courses have validated her career choice and set her up for success in forensic biology. 

“Many students enter college without fully understanding their major and end up switching fields, wasting time and money,” Madison explains. “CTE gave me firsthand experience and helped me be certain about my decision.” 

Thanks to her career and technical education coursework, Madison is confident in her next steps: graduating early, beginning college, and working toward a forensic biology degree. 

Why CTE Matters for Indiana Students 

Madison’s story isn’t unique—CTE courses are transforming education in Indiana and beyond. According to the Indiana Department of Education, over 225,000 over 225,000 students across the state participate in CTE programs each year, gaining skills in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and criminal justice. 

CTE courses provide: 

​​✅ ​Real-World Experience: Students engage in hands-on learning, often with industry professionals. 

​​✅ ​Career Readiness: Students develop skills that make them more competitive in the job market. 

​​✅ ​College Preparation: CTE helps students make informed decisions before committing to a degree. 

​​✅ ​Financial Savings: Early exposure to a field prevents wasted tuition. 

The Growing Demand for CTE in Indiana 

As Indiana continues to focus on workforce development, career and technical education is critical in preparing students for in-demand careers. Studies show that students in CTE programs are more likely to find success in post-graduation pathways sooner. For some students this means a quicker transition into the workforce and often times, into higher paying beginning salaries. Whereas college-bound students are often quicker to identify a major and more likely to graduate sooner, saving them time and money during their college experience.  

Furthermore, employers across Indiana seek CTE-trained graduates in industries like technology, logistics, and skilled trades. Schools like INGDA help bridge this gap by offering flexible, career-focused courses that prepare students for high-paying, high-demand jobs. 

“At Indiana Gateway Digital Academy, I’ve had the privilege of seeing more students get excited about Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses,” said Wesley Hickson, Criminal Justice instructor and former law enforcement officer with over 20 years of experience. “Having spent nearly two decades in law enforcement, I bring my real-world experiences into the classroom, making lessons more engaging and relevant. I love helping students connect what they’re learning to real-life situations, whether it’s in criminal justice, cybersecurity, healthcare, or skilled trades. It’s amazing to watch them gain confidence as they develop practical skills and earn industry-recognized certifications that set them apart in their future careers. Our CTE programs don’t just prepare students for jobs—they empower them to build meaningful futures.” 

Why Students Should Consider CTE 

For students still exploring career options, Madison has one key piece of advice: Give CTE classes a try. 

“Try to understand what interests you, focus on yourself, and find what you enjoy. That will help you discover what you want to do. Even if you decide you don’t like it, at least you know—and that’s valuable.” 

At INGDA, we believe career exploration should start early. CTE courses provide an opportunity to test-drive professions, gain industry-specific knowledge, and graduate with a clear path forward—whether entering the workforce or continuing education. 

Interested in learning more? 

Visit the INGDA website to see how our career-focused courses can help students build a stronger, smarter future. 

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