High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) was strengthened by federal law in the 21^st Century Act to aggressively prepare students to move into the workforce or continue career-focused education after high school and contains sixteen rigorous Career Clusters for study: Agriculture, Construction, Communications, Business, Education, Finance, Public Administration, Health Sciences, Hospitality, Human Services, IT, Law and Corrections, Manufacturing, Marketing, STEM, and Transportation. Within the Career Clusters are seventy-nine pathways that lead students directly to high skill, high wage careers. CTE develops career goals with real-world learning experiences: job skills training, job-shadow,  business and industry internships, business and industry certifications and licensures, employment in entry-level jobs, and college credit on high school campus. CTE empowers students to become life-long learners who are self-sufficient, competitive, and employed.

The TX 31 Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE )High School Awards - 2024

TX 31 nominations are open to outstanding high school students completing their CTE studies in the 2023-24 school year. They may be enrolled at a private, public, or home-school. TX 31 now includes Bosque, Burnet, Coryell, Hamilton, and parts of Bell and Williamson counties. To confirm your federal representative and Congressional district for eligibility, please click here.

Student Nomination Packet Deadline: February 1, 2024, 5:00PM in Belton, TX Congressional office. Mail or submit to:
US Congressman John R. Carter-TX 31
ATTN: Cheryl Hassmann
2180 North Main Street (Suite 1-10)
Belton, TX 76513.

Late entries will not be considered. All eligible packets will be reviewed by the TX 31 Career and Technology Education Advisory Committee and winners will be announced in Spring 2024.

Nomination Packet MUST include:

1.      Nomination Form (fully completed) click here.

2.      Student resume (please include workplace skills certifications and licensures)

3.      HS Transcript Copy: Copy CTE GPA (B or above) and minimum of three CTE credits. Credits must be above introductory level but can be across career pathways.

4.      Student Essay. “My Best Career and Technology Education Learning Experience.”

5.      Recommendation letter from  CTE  Instructor: one-page letter addressed to Congressman Carter emphasizing the student’s professionalism and career skills proficiency developed in the CTE program