Career and Technology Education Month in Hattiesburg

HATTIESBURG, MISS. – Hattiesburg’s Mayor, Toby Barker presented a proclamation Monday morning at Hattiesburg High School proclaiming February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) month. “The programs offered at Hattiesburg High are some of the most relevant programs that students will have defining work going forward,” Barker stated. Students who participate in the school district’s CTE program gain first-hand experience in a variety of career fields.

“Early childhood education, polymer science, [and] robotics, these are things we are going to need," Barker said. "[These] careers are going to be in demand." Many of the CTE programs offered by the school district helps students earn nationally recognized certifications, which could ultimately help Hattiesburg students get a job right out of high school, or put them ahead of the curb if they chose to further their education. “[Through] this program, I’ve made many friends,” Antwon Keyes, a Hattiesburg High junior and aspiring entrepreneur said. “I have made many business partners, and I have all around become a better person through this program.” “It gives students an opportunity to find out what they really want to do, outside of academics,” Hattiesburg High’s principal, Eric Boney said. Hattiesburg High’s CTE programs offer a learning experience in 13 different career fields and more than 300 students have participated in at least one of the programs, which is one-third of the school’s population.