Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Office of Career Technical Education (CTE) will host more than 350 students from 40 schools and CTE centers during CTE Day at the Legislature on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at 9 a.m. The event brings students to the Upper and Lower Rotundas of the State Capitol to showcase their skills in programs ranging from computer science to cosmetology and from information technology to American Sign Language.
CTE Day is an annual opportunity for students to bring their classrooms to the State Legislature. It is often a part of National CTE Month, which is recognized in February. With more than 91,000 students participating in a CTE course across the state, the role of career exploration and experiential learning continues to expand.
In West Virginia public schools, instructors who often hold industry certifications and rich field experiences guide students through the 16 national career clusters. The WVDE’s Classroom 2 Career initiative provides a direct pipeline to career readiness, with high school students gaining authentic work experience in their fields of interest. Last year, apprentices in the state earned $5 million and worked more than 350,000 hours with 600 regional employers and industry leaders.
“Thanks to our CTE programs, students are gaining valuable industry credentials before leaving high school. This prepares them to step out of the classroom and into a career,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “Additionally, there is a seamless connection between education, employment and enlistment pathways, because CTE prepares students regardless of their plans after high school.”
The WVDE has expanded CTE into middle and elementary schools through proven exploration and entrepreneurship principles. This increases student engagement and elevates all aspects of teaching and learning.
More information about CTE is available on the WVDE website.
