Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Hands-on learning, lifelong growth.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) in Rhode Island is designed to provide students with the academic and applied skills they need to be successful in the workforce and beyond.
What You Need to Know
Enroll in any CTE program in Rhode Island for free.
Earn industry credentials in an engaging, hands-on environment.
Prepare for high-wage, high-demand jobs in growing industries while in high school.
Explore CTE Options
Find the CTE Program that’s right for you. Rhode Island’s CTE regulations allow students to enroll in any CTE program in the state for free—even if a student’s desired program is in another school district. While many high schools offer CTE classes alongside general education classes, CTE centers (schools that specialize in career education) are available in every region of the state. This policy means a student’s zip code does not place a limit on their opportunities.
With more than 200 CTE programs across the state, Rhode Island learners have unprecedented access to a broad array of educational programs to suit all academic and career aspirations.
Explore approved CTE Programs below and find one that interests you! Search by Career Field (Cluster), Program Name, Program Location, or School Name. Contact the program directly for additional enrollment information. The list provided below reflects the 2020-21 approved programs. More information can be found here.
Real-world Skills for Real-world Jobs
Career & Technical Education (CTE) offers students the opportunity to grow in their academic and career pathway, providing engaging learning, reduced college tuition expenses, and the foundation to high-wage, high-passion jobs.
CTE is designed for all students and prepares students for all types of careers—whether that career requires a high school diploma or a Ph.D.
Program options vary based on the school and learning setting. To learn more about approved programs and pathways, use the Explore tool above or visit the Rhode Island Department of Education website.
What CTE Programs Offer Students
CTE gives learners a competitive advantage for future career and employment opportunities. To learn more about the median salary for CTE career paths, visit the Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.
For many learners, applying hands-on technical and academic skills to real-world activities make CTE classes more interesting, engaging, and motivating than standard academic classes.
CTE programs work directly with local businesses and industries in partnership, ensuring students receive the skills, credentials, and knowledge necessary for Rhode Island to lead in innovation.
You have options for Career & Technical Education in Rhode Island: career pathways, school or work-based learning, and extracurricular activities. Whatever CTE path you take, you will access unique advancement opportunities.
Build your future.