Career and Technical Education (CTE)

The Robert D. Stethem Educational Center Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide a variety of career-related courses for students exploring post-secondary options. The program is offered as a half-day program at the Stethem Center. Students enrolled in the program attend their zoned high schools for classes and are transported to Stethem for this half-day program.  Juniors attend classes at the Stethem Center in the morning and attend their zoned high school for classes in the afternoon. Seniors spend their morning at their zoned high school and attend Stethem for classes in the afternoon.

What do I need to know before I complete the application? 

1. Attend the Spotlight on CTE  event on Nov. 2, 2023 at 6-7:30 p.m. at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center.
2. View the CTE Showcase for videos and information on each CTE program. 
3. Refer to the High School Program of Studies for course descriptions and requirements for all CCPS students.
    

Students eligible to apply must meet the following qualifications:

• Both the student and parent/guardian must be current residents of Charles County.
• The student must be currently enrolled (SY 2023-24) as a 10th grader in a Charles County Public Schools high school.
   

Application

• Student completes the online application using their Office 365 account.
• Student and Parent/Guardian electronically sign the application.
• Student completes the Interest Survey, applicants will be contacted.

application is closed

Admission Decisions are made based on the following criteria:

• 40%  Student interest expressed on Interest Survey
• 28%  Academic performance in 9th grade and first quarter of tenth grade and as it relates to the program of choice
• 25%  Application questions
• 7%  High School Attendance - 9th grade and 1st Quarter of 10th grade **Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, all student applicants will be credited the full 7% for attendance. 

Selection Process

Once the application process is closed, a committee will meet to determine a qualifying score for each program.  All students who meet the qualifying score will be considered a candidate for their first CTE program choice. If they are randomly selected for their 1st choice, they will not be placed in the lottery for their second choice. If they are not randomly selected for their second choice, they will be waitlisted in random order for both programs. Waitlisted students will be randomly ranked and offered a seat if it becomes available.

Acceptance Requirements

In February 2024, letters of acceptance will be mailed. The letter of acceptance will contain an acceptance/decline agreement. Within two weeks of receipt, the acceptance/decline agreement must be signed and returned.  If the acceptance agreement is not received within two weeks, Robert D. Stethem Educational Center will consider the acceptance as declined by the parent and the student.