GCPS’ cutting-edge, rigorous and relevant Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs prepare students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers. High school students involved in CTE have real-life opportunities to explore the world of work. As a result, they are more engaged, perform better, and graduate at higher rates.
Recently, the district’s 2019 Career and Technical Education Student of the Year awards celebration recognized the achievement of high-performing students from the 24 Gwinnett CTE high school programs, and honored three county-level winners, overall winner Juliet La of Discovery HS, a marketing student who received a $1,000 scholarship provided by Learning Labs, Inc.; Shama Khan of Central Gwinnett HS (1st runner up), a healthcare student who received a $750 scholarship provided by Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association; and Matthew Lescota of Brookwood HS (2nd runner up), an engineering and entrepreneurship student who received a $500 scholarship provided by the Gwinnett County Schools Foundation Fund, Inc.
The selection process required nominated students to submit a transcript, a letter of recommendation from the nominating teacher, information on participation in a Career and Technical Student Organization, details about their community service, and an essay. In the final piece of the competition, students participated in an interview conducted by a panel of judges consisting of business and industry leaders.