North Carolina Career and Technical Education (CTE) students earned a record 382,964 industry-recognized credentials during the 2024–2025 academic year, with Pitt County Schools’ CTE students earning 8,558 credentials. While Pitt County is the 13th-largest school district in the state, it ranked 9th statewide in the number of credentials earned.
“In the past few years, we’ve seen a huge growth in the number of credentials students are earning. It jumped up by a few thousand,” said Kali Beach, director of career and technical education for Pitt County Schools. “Our goal is to continue growing and hope to reach the 10,000 mark in the next year or two. One day, we want to be in the Top 5 in the state on the number of credentials earned as well as the attainment rate.”
With this new report, North Carolina now ranks second nationally in CTE participation. Statewide, 36.1% of public school students are enrolled in a CTE course, signaling the state’s growing talent strength. More than 98% of CTE concentrators graduate on time, reinforcing the connection between career-connected learning and student success.
That statewide momentum is clearly reflected in Pitt County, where credential attainment has accelerated significantly over the past several years.
“We have had a lot of local discussions around why credentialing students is important and making sure that our teachers, students, and parents are aware of the benefits,” added Beach.
Career and Technical Education in Pitt County Schools serves students in grades 6-12 and are offered across a variety of program area:.
Beyond credential numbers, CTE participation continues to support broader academic and career outcomes. Students gain hands-on experience, connect classroom learning to real-world applications, and graduate with industry-recognized skills that align with employer needs.
“People don’t always realize that CTE supports English, science, and math in the classroom,” Beach said. “CTE helps connect what students are learning in their core classes to practical, real-world applications. Students love the courses and the opportunities, such as career and technical student organizations, field trips, and work-based learning.”
For economic development leaders, these results represent more than academic achievement. Industry-recognized credentials validate workforce readiness, strengthen employer recruitment efforts, and reduce training costs for expanding businesses. As North Carolina continues to climb nationally in CTE participation, communities like Greenville-Pitt County are helping power that momentum and building a stronger, more competitive talent pipeline for the future.
This article was adapted from a press release distributed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, which can be viewed by clicking here.
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Media Relations Contact:
Maria Satira Vice President, Marketing and Talent Programming Greenville Eastern North Carolina Alliance satira@encalliance.com 252-414-2875
