Pender County, NC – Pender County Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of the top-performing CTE programs in North Carolina, earning a distinguished position among the state’s leading Public-School Units (PSUs). PCS CTE ranks #9 in total credentials earned and #7 in credential attainment rate, making it the only PSU in North Carolina to secure a top-10 ranking in both categories for 2024.
“We are thrilled and deeply proud of this accomplishment,” said Dominique Bates, CTE Director of Pender County Schools. “Our students’ achievements are a testament to the dedication of our CTE teachers and the strong partnerships with families, industry leaders, and our community. While our goal of reaching 9,000 credentials this year reflects our commitment to excellence, this milestone is about much more than numbers. Each credential earned opens new doors for our students, equipping them with valuable skills that pave the way for success in their careers, further education, and beyond.”
This dual recognition places PCS CTE alongside some of the largest school districts in North Carolina, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Guilford, Wake, and Union Counties. However, what sets Pender County Schools apart is its exceptional credential attainment rate and total credentials earned—an achievement that is especially remarkable given the district’s size and unique student population.
"Being recognized as one of North Carolina’s top-performing CTE programs is a tremendous honor for Pender County Schools and a reflection of the hard work of our educators, students, and community partners," said Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent of Pender County Schools. "Our commitment to fostering real-world skills through innovative pathways ensures that every credential earned is a stepping stone for our students’ futures. This accomplishment reflects our goal of preparing students to thrive in a competitive workforce and contribute meaningfully to their communities."
Pender County Schools’ CTE program is committed to offering a wide range of pathways and real-world skills, from health science and early childhood education to public safety and engineering. These programs empower students to earn industry-recognized credentials, providing a foundation for post-secondary opportunities and success in today’s evolving workforce.
As Pender County Schools continues to build on this success, we remain dedicated to our mission of preparing students to become responsible, productive citizens ready to thrive in their future endeavors. The official top 10 rankings will be published by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction next month.
For more information about PCS Career & Technical Education programs and our commitment to student achievement, please visit our website at https://bit.ly/3UmKf8m or contact the PCS CTE Office.