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During the month of February, Lowndes County Public Schools (LCPS) celebrated Career and Technical Education (CTE) month and promoted career and technical student organizations (CTSO) by hosting events to bring awareness to career and technical education.

The final CTSO to celebrate during the month was the National Career Association (NCA) with observances held during the week of Feb. 26. 

The week was set aside for students to bring awareness to NCA and to help them learn what the association is all about. 

Chantrice Morrison, Lowndes County Jobs for Alabama Graduates (JAG) Specialist, expressed the importance of the week and highlighted the many ways it benefits the students. 

“NCA Week gave our students a chance to put their knowledge to the test,” Morrison said. “The program focuses on career development, leadership development, civic awareness, social awareness, and community service. The students were able to use the skills they learned in class to enhance their development and awareness in each of the areas listed.”

Students planned and implemented a career day event, showcasing their leadership and social skills.

“They dressed professionally, which required them to look the part of successful men and women,” Morrison said. “During community service, they were able to give back to others all while working together and being able to follow one of their peers as a leader during the tasks. We look at JAG as one big family.”

The purpose of the National Career Association is aimed at helping members explore career pathways, to assess the opportunities and appropriateness of pursuing further education, to connect members with representatives of their chosen pathway, to develop their knowledge and skills, to secure employment in a job and to demonstrate their ability to enter and advance with the employer.

​The 2024 NCA week consisted of a career day, community service, and family fun day.

​The participants for NCA week were the LCPS members of the National Career Association.

Meisha Jackson, LCPS career coach, acknowledged the importance of CTE Month and said that she looks forward to celebrating the month with the students each year. 

“Career Tech Month empowers students and teachers with the knowledge and skills to navigate the future job landscape and excel in their chosen academic fields,” Jackson said. “It gives the students a chance to showcase what they have learned throughout the school year, and it also allows for opportunities where students can connect with potential career opportunities during the career day.”