Who helps students stay organized, work through academic struggles, and dream big for their future? Who holds the most influence over whether students enroll in your CTE program? The answer to both questions is parents.
Without parental support and encouragement, students can’t effectively navigate challenges in the classroom or may never enroll in your programs in the first place. To gain parent support and buy-in, adopt these five strategies for your CTE programs. From debunking myths to highlighting success stories, these strategies can build strong partnerships to promote student success from their biggest advocates— their families.
Not Your Parents’ CTE Programs
Career and Technical Education (CTE) has a long history, evolving from vocational training to comprehensive educational pathways that equip students with practical skills and knowledge. Today’s programs are designed to meet the demands of the modern workforce, offering students hands-on experience in various skilled trades.
But, it hasn’t always been that way.
For decades, vocational education was of lower quality than college-prep equivalents. Students tracked into “voc ed” programs mirrored systemic biases in society. Today, the quality of CTE programs is exponentially higher, but the stigma remains.
The benefits of today’s CTE programs are clear:
- 94% of CTE concentrator students graduate on time, compared with 86% of non-CTE peers.
- They outperform their non-CTE peers in college enrollment, employment, and earnings after graduation.
- Students can graduate with industry-recognized certificates in trades like HVAC, electrical, and construction, qualifying them to begin a well-compensated and fulfilling career.
- Students can transfer many CTE credits to a two-year or four-year college.
- CTE programs give the biggest attainment boost to male students and low-income students.
But the question remains— how do you help parents see these benefits?
5 Strategies to Get Parent Support for Your CTE Program
To help parents understand the benefits CTE programs offer, try one (or all) of these approaches.
1. Debunk Myths About CTE Programs
A lot of misconceptions still exist about CTE programs: 79% of students say their parents want them to pursue a college education after high school, while only 5% say the same about vocational school.
Combat these myths head-on in your parent communications to offer a different narrative. Use data to show high parent satisfaction, high graduation rates, and higher earnings for CTE students. Advance CTE has a great resource center for you to get started with messaging.
2. Emphasize Real-World Skills
Based on extensive research and message testing, Advance CTE identified three core messages that resonate most with families. The top one is gaining real-world skills. Showcase CTE programs as a unique opportunity for hands-on learning that prepares learners for the real world. Talk about how CTE students and families are more satisfied with their opportunities to gain real-world skills they can use wherever their career takes them.
It helps parents to “see” skills in action instead of just hearing about them, so invite parents into your lab, share videos, or let them try out 3D simulations to experience the value of what you teach.
3. Avoid the “Either/Or” College Trap
With the history of vocational tracking, it’s critical not to pigeonhole families into thinking that by choosing CTE, they’re foregoing college. College aspirations remain important to families, so emphasize that CTE lays a solid foundation for a number of education and career tracks.
For instance, you can share that 73% of current families plan for their CTE student to complete a college degree or credential compared to 60% of non-CTE families. Share how many students go on to enroll in two-year and four-year degree programs— and how they can use hands-on skills from CTE in college and beyond.
4. Show How CTE Helps Students Find Their Passion
While parents and students are interested in salaries for potential job tracks, beware of focusing solely on earnings and future jobs. Instead, appeal to helping students find their passion. Advance CTE research found that families consistently rank passion in their top two benefits above finding a well-paying job, making connections, or even experiences that stand out on a college application.
Many students who thrive in CTE fields enjoy hands-on problem-solving instead of sitting in a classroom or cubicle all day. If a student has a passion for environmental sustainability, make the connection to skills that further this goal, like installing solar panels or weatherproofing buildings to conserve energy.
To really drive this home, include student success stories in your parent communications. Bring students or alumni to speak at an info session, or create student videos to tell their stories.
5. Showcase Cutting-Edge Technology
Parents with a dated misconception of CTE programs likely don’t understand what it looks like in a modern classroom. Show off how students will build digital skills alongside practical, hands-on ones with technology.
Many CTE programs today use 3D simulations, online knowledge checks, and even virtual reality (VR) to teach students skills thanks to platforms like Interplay Learning. Don’t be shy about showcasing this technology to gain credibility and connect parents to the content in a new way.
CTE Parents as Partners
Building parent support for your CTE program requires clear communication about its benefits and addressing common misconceptions. By emphasizing passion-driven learning, sharing success stories, and clarifying career pathways, you can turn CTE families into your strongest partners.
Ultimately, when parents understand the value of these programs— both in terms of immediate career opportunities and long-term success— they enable their children to make better educational choices and a better future.
Enhance your CTE curriculum and gain credibility with Interplay Learning’s simulation-based learning. Try it today!
