CMS CTE Newsletter

The CMS Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department officially kicked off the 2026–2027 school year by hosting an energizing welcome event for over 630 middle and high school educators. Teachers, and Support Staff gathered to align on upcoming academic goals, explore new industry-driven curricula, and share strategies to empower students for post-secondary success. With a dedicated team of more than 630 educators ready to lead, the CTE Department is primed for a transformative year of innovation, skill-building, and student achievement.

Full Futures is an initiative to advance the school nutrition environment within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. With support from The Campbell’s Company, community partners work alongside CMS Career and Technical Education to strengthen student and family wellness, expand access to nutritious food, and create meaningful opportunities for student engagement and career-connected learning.

Alliance for a Healthier Generation serves as a local convener and implementation partner—bringing partners together, coordinating wellness initiatives, and ensuring that student voice and school priorities guide the work. Jukelia Bess, Associate Director of Programs, leads local partnership development and program implementation, while Jackie Strohm, Evaluation Manager, guides activities to measure program impact. Together, they connect CMS schools with community partners like 100 Gardens, The Bulb, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, to access education and services that help students, families, and school communities thrive.

By connecting whole-child wellness, hands-on learning, and community engagement, Healthier Generation and CMS CTE are helping students build healthier futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.

InnovateHER Charlotte 2026 takes place Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at the Spectrum Center. This free, high-energy event brings together 8th–12th grade CMS female students for a day of hands-on STEM exploration—from AI and data science to cybersecurity and digital media (no prior coding experience needed!).

Students will participate in interactive skill-building workshops and connect directly with inspirational local women leading Charlotte’s tech sector. Transportation, lunch, and refreshments are included.

Link to event flyer

Sept 22-Aspiring Teachers Summit @ UNCC (Teaching as Profession Pathway)

Aspiring Teachers Summit 2026 takes place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, bringing together high school and college students, career changers, and future educators across the Charlotte region to explore pathways into the teaching profession.

Link to event flyer

Link to event flyer

Oct 13-8th Grade Day In the Life-Central Piedmont:

8th Grade Day in the Life at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) takes place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. This immersive event hosts 8th-grade Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) students across CPCC campuses to give them a real preview of high school career pathways, college life, and dual-enrollment options.

Link to event flyer

Oct 30-Aero Xperience-Monica Meadows and Aviation-Park Expo.

Aero Xperience-Aviation in Action, powered by Piedmont Airlines takes place on Friday, October 30, 206. This free hands-on event introduces students and educators to the world of aviation and aerospace careers.

LAWA’s High School Series provides free information sessions for students and caregivers focused on preparing, planning, and paying for postsecondary education. Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to learn about college applications, financial aid, career pathways, two- and four-year degree options, trade and vocational programs, and college campuses.

A few important notes as you share:

• High School Series is open to all students. Students do not need to identify as Latino/Hispanic to participate.

• Translation services are available as needed. We encourage families who may need language assistance to participate.

• Transportation: Unfortunately, LAWA is not able to provide bus transportation to workshops this year as we have in previous years.

• Registration is free: Students and families can register here: 2026 - 2027 High School Series. The registration QR code is also included on the flyers.

• LAWA Flyer-English

• LAWA Flyer-Spanish

We would also be happy to attend school open houses or other community outreach opportunities where we can share information about High School Series and LAWA’s resources directly with students and families. If you have an upcoming event where LAWA may be a good fit, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for continuing to help us connect students and families with resources and opportunities as they explore their postsecondary options.

Latin Americans Working for Achievement (LAWA)

Advancing the education and quality of life of Latinos in the Charlotte Region since 1992.

www.lawanc.org

The event is free, and lunch will be provided to signed attendees

The educational landscape is shifting fast. Success after high school is no longer defined strictly by a traditional four-year degree, but by demonstrated skill, industry alignment, and clear career mapping.

At the center of this transformation are Tier 2 and Tier 3 Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) advanced certifications earned in high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that directly unlock higher education and high-wage careers.

Our CTE programs don't just teach; they prepare students for the real world. That success is driven by our CTE Advisory Board, a dedicated coalition of local business executives, seasoned educators, and community leaders.

Together, these industry experts work behind the scenes to review our curriculum, upgrade our lab technology, and align our classroom training with high-demand, high-wage careers. By bridging the gap between education and industry, our board ensures every student graduates with the competitive, real-world skills regional employers are actively looking for.