Dolton 149 Career and Technical Ed Students Showcase Their Progress

(DOLTON, IL)—Dolton School District 149 has launched the inaugural classes of its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program for 7th and 8th graders in the 2023-2024 school year.

Dolton 149 now offers Middle School scholars the option to self-select from several career exploration pathways. These pathways will allow students to gain hands-on experience from experts in the fields of Agriculture, Performing Arts, Music Production, Skilled Trades, and Culinary Arts.

At the regular board meeting in February, students were provided an opportunity to showcase their progress within their chosen career pathway to the Board of Education, drawing praise from the district’s top officials.

“We are hopeful that our support of the CTE program will provide an opportunity for multitudes of students in the future years to have the curiosity and joy demonstrated by our students,” said Board President Lolita C. Liggons.

Dr. Maureen White, Superintendent of Dolton School District 149, outlined her vision for the future of the program.

“The exposure to career pathways that our students receive by participating in this multi-year sequence of programming not only enriches their academic experience, it is a critical connection for affirming in them a sense of possibility,” said Dr. White. “Their potential is limitless when given the best opportunities. We will continue to seek partnerships that will make our students college and career in the 21st century and beyond.”

Dr. White cited John Dewey, the noted American philosopher and educator, as inspiration for the program. Dewey said, “Education is not preparation for life. Education is life itself.”

“At Dolton 149, we are holding true to John Dewey’s sentiment by launching our Career and Technical Education program,” said Dr. White. “The education that our students are receiving is life itself.”