It has been a tremendous privilege to spend the past eight months exploring Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Nashville. From visiting innovative schools and engaging with passionate educators to speaking with bright, driven students, this journey has deepened our understanding of how education can serve as a cornerstone for a thriving, equitable community. We are inspired by the successes of the Academies of Nashville, which have redefined access to opportunity and demonstrated the extraordinary potential of CTE.
The 2024 Education Report focuses on CTE, a vital topic as we consider Nashville’s growing workforce needs. With industries like healthcare, technology, construction, and hospitality experiencing significant demand for skilled talent, ensuring our students have access to career pathways is essential. CTE not only equips students with the tools they need for financial independence but also strengthens Nashville’s economy and ensures our community remains resilient and innovative.
This report reflects our commitment to supporting these efforts. It identifies key opportunities to enhance CTE and outlines recommendations for policymakers, business leaders, and community partners. We invite every reader to join us in this work—whether by mentoring a student, hosting an internship, or advocating for policies that uplift our educators and students.
Let us seize this opportunity to ensure every student graduates ready for college, career, and life. Together, we can make Nashville a place where every young person has the tools to succeed and where education continues to drive our community forward.
