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Leading the Way in Career and Technical Education

2026-2027 Save the Date – calendar of meetings and student events

Building Partnerships for America’s Future on Friday, February 26, 2027 – Registration and program guide (TBD)

Internship Micro-Credential for Business & Industry – free code VALEES_MC

Articulated Credit Video 

Get involved in the VALEES region – Interest form for business and industry 

Over 50% of high school students in the VALEES region are enrolled in at least one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course. CTE programs engage students in rigorous, complex, problem-based learning experiences. Students in CTE courses build academic skills, develop technical work-based skills and knowledge, including critically important employability skills, and thoughtfully consider career pathways along their journey to their future careers. Over 60% of the jobs in the U.S. require workers with technical skills.

For Students & Parents

Career and Technical Education programs in high school lead to successful careers and high satisfaction in school. Learn more here.

Early college credit may be earned through articulated credit agreements by successfully completing an approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school course. Select the Early College Credit link for a listing of eligible high school and career center courses.

CTE roles are changing. There are many opportunities for women to start rewarding careers in fields once believed to be reserved for men only. If you are a young woman interested in entering a career field non-traditional by gender, please visit our Opportunities for Young Women page.

For Administrators

VALEES administers the Career and Technical Education Improvement (CTEI, state grant), Perkins (federal grant) and regional mini-grants. Select the grants link for grant guidelines, allocations, and application and reporting information.

Calendar of Events


View Full Calendar

Spark! Career Pathways Event- 9th Grade

563 9th grade students attended

30 local companies participated

80 business individuals attended

The event featured multiple organizations from each of the seven College and Career Pathway Endorsement (CCPE) areas in booths with displays, hands-on demonstrations, and industry professionals to answer questions. Career exploration events, where students interact with industry professionals, is an important part of the college and career readiness framework that every high school has adopted to prepare high school students for their future. Hosting these events in 9th grade allows students to make informed decisions about high school coursework.

 

Illuminate Career Pathways- City of Aurora Career Expo

1,262 – 9th grade students from East Aurora, West Aurora, Batavia and Kaneland High Schools had a career development experience with industry professionals in one of the 7 CCPE areas

67 – unique businesses or community organizations from the area Aurora sent industry professionals to engage with students

174 – total industry professionals were on hand throughout the day to engage with students

JA-Middle School Career Day

During the Career Day, 8th graders rotated through 4 industry professional presentations that aligned to the student’s career interest inventory results. Twenty-three industry professionals shared about their career pathway including hands on demonstrations, industry displays of real-world tools and equipment, “day in the life of” information, training and education needed in the field, opportunities and challenges in their industry and much more.

The attached photo recognizes all the industry professionals from the wider Kaneland community who gave their time to share their professional experiences with the 8th graders of KHMS in: Arts/AV/Technology, Architecture & Construction, Education, Government & Public Administration, Health Science, Human Services, Information Technology, Law & Public Safety, Sports Management, STEM and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.