Newark, OH— Students and faculty at the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) will join others across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) MonthTM. This year's theme is CTE: Careers Through Education. CTE MonthTM provides CTE programs across the country an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE educates students to be college-and career-ready and prepares them for high-wage, high-demand career fields.

Among the special activities scheduled at C-TEC during the month:

• Licking County mayoral luncheon in The Bistro on February 23. The mayors will present proclamations declaring February Career-Technical Education Month and recognizing C-TEC's value to the Licking County area,

• "Take Your Parent To School Day" will be held on February 21,

• The annual "Heavy Metal War" gives high school students the opportunity to donate spare change and compete against other career-technical programs to raise money to benefit Operation Feed,

• The annual secondary center student council talent show will be held on February 10,

• Special features and exclusive content posted on C-TEC's new social media platforms, including Facebook.com/cteceducation, Twitter.com/cteclickingco, and the new high school blog, Ctecblog.tumblr.com.

"The activities planned over the next month will focus on celebrating the vital role C-TEC has in the economic development of Licking County," said Mary Kay Andrews, director of the secondary center. "By partnering with the business community, CTE programs are investing in students' lives with the latest technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees as well as future leaders."

CTE is a major part of the solution to myriad national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one-third of the fastest growing occupations will require an associate's degree or a postsecondary vocational certificate. At a time when job opportunity is so critical, C-TEC programs in Licking County are ensuring students are adequately equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce, earn valuable credentials, and continue on for further post-secondary training.

For more information on C-TEC programs visit c-tec.edu.

ABOUT C-TEC

C-TEC is the premier choice for career and technical education, adult education and workforce development in Licking County. With more than 20 high school programs and nearly 35 educational and training opportunities available in adult education, C-TEC has been contributing to the success of the workforce for nearly 40 years. C-TEC is also the first LEED certified public school in Ohio providing an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient building for students to perfect their skills and training.

ABOUT ACTE

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation's largest not-for-profit education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. It provides advocacy, public awareness and access to information, professional development and tools that enable members to be successful and effective leaders. Founded in 1926, ACTE has more than 27,000 members including teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.