How many industry partners does a CTE program need?

How many industry partners does a CTE program need?

A minimum of two industry partners are required to be present during a program’s external review visit. Schools may have more than two industry partners that serve on their local school CTE program advisory board. External industry partners, such as those who are members of the NYCDOE CTE Industry commissions, may also serve as external review committee members through the work done in relation to the commission (i.e, curriculum and technical assessment reviews and employability skills validation). Industry partners are vital to ensure programs remain rigorous and relevant. Partners are required to review a program’s curriculum and technical assessment to provide feedback for continuous program improvements.

Lessons Learned:

  • In order for CTE programs of study to remain rigorous and relevant the connection to industry partners is vital to a program’s continuous development and success over time.
  • Educational providers and Community Based Organizations are not considered industry partners though they may support the continued development of the CTE program of study. The National Academy Foundation, Virtual Enterprise International, Justice Resource Center, and Project Lead the Way are examples of educational providers.
  • Industry partners may assist with professional development for staff, they may provide support with work-based learning experiences and assist with providing critical feedback regarding curriculum review, technical assessment selection and employability skills validation.