On Monday December 9th, Woodland High School proudly hosted the first Partnerships for Future Ready Learners Career and Technology Education (CTE) Meeting, bringing together educators, industry leaders, parents, and administrators to align educational pathways with workforce needs. The meeting, spearheaded by Chief Academic Officer Corey Prentiss, focused on preparing DD4 students for their futures with a strong emphasis on career readiness and practical skills.
Mrs. Prentiss outlined the vision for CTE courses in DD4, emphasizing the district's commitment to preparing students for diverse paths. She noted that 53% of SC students pursue higher education (2-year or 4-year institutions), while 47% enter the workforce or military. To address these realities, DD4 is actively developing pathways that reflect local job market needs, including a strong partnership with the Dorchester County Career and Technology Center. This partnership enables students to gain certifications and hands-on training in various fields, from public service to health care.
Mrs. Prentiss also took a moment to express her gratitude to Rania Thompson, Woodland High School's Career Specialist, for her critical role in coordinating the guest list and inviting the industry leaders who attended. Although Mrs. Thompson was unable to attend the meeting in person, her efforts behind the scenes were instrumental in its success.
A key focus of the meeting was the development of Work-Based Learning opportunities, as explained by Mr. Blacklocke, Assistant Principal at Woodland High School. He described the three modes of these experiences, Co-Op placements, internships, and apprenticeships. Mr. Blacklocke also detailed how school counselors are working closely with students to ensure their Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) align with their chosen career pathways.
After an overview of CTE programs, attendees broke into small groups, facilitated by Sylvia Wright, DD4’s Secondary Curriculum Coordinator. Groups included representatives from fields such as public service, technology, health care, manufacturing, and education. Together, they brainstormed actionable ideas to help industry leaders collaborate with DD4 educators to:
Better align coursework with real-world demands.
Enhance student career readiness.
Expand Work-Based Learning opportunities.
The discussions were vibrant and productive, and the groups later shared their insights with everyone. Attendees left inspired by the shared commitment to preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond.
This meeting was a tremendous step forward for DD4’s CTE programs, and we look forward to continuing these vital conversations. Together, we can create pathways that truly empower our students for the future!
