BELOIT — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly kicked off Career and Technical Education Month this week with a visit to Beloit Memorial High School, underscoring the critical role CTE plays in connecting students to meaningful career pathways and the workforce.
On Wednesday, Dr. Underly joined Beloit School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Wayne Anderson and other leaders for a tour of the school’s CTE programming. The tour included a look at a variety of hands-on activities students were engaged in within the areas of culinary arts, business, welding, construction, early childhood education, and anatomy and physiology.
“Career and technical education makes learning engaging, relevant, and effective by preparing students for what comes next, whether that’s college, the workforce, or both,” Dr. Underly said. “The programs we visited Wednesday in Beloit show just how impactful CTE can be.”
Photos from the Beloit Memorial visit can be found on Dr. Underly’s official Facebook page.
Wisconsin is one of only six states without dedicated, ongoing funding for CTE programs in public schools. During the 2025-27 biennial budget process, Dr. Underly proposed $45 million to create a categorical aid program expanding CTE and career pathway offerings to students across the state. The legislature removed this funding from consideration in the budget.
“An investment in career and technical education is an investment in our future workforce and our local communities,” Dr. Underly said. “Every student in Wisconsin deserves access to these opportunities, no matter where they live.”
Dr. Underly will continue touring additional schools and highlight CTE programming across the state throughout February.
