Our main priority at Niles Community Schools is to prepare students for success.

Preparing students takes many different forms, whether it’s giving them a safe and engaging place to learn, offering sports programs to help instill the importance of teamwork, or providing Career and Technical Education programs for learners to strengthen skills for future employment opportunities. Our CTE program here in Niles has grown tremendously over the years and thanks to the partnership of several local businesses, our students can gain real world experience before graduating.

CTE programming is an essential component of high school curriculum and provides rigorous, high-quality instruction that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational skills to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education, advanced training and careers.

Our programs cover a variety of industries, providing a diverse selection of career training alternatives for learners to choose from. Niles High School CTE classes include agriscience and natural resource, culinary arts, graphic design, welding technology, automotive technology, mechatronics and automation, allied health and the Professional Health Careers Academy. Through hands-on learning environments, students get a first-hand look at what is required to succeed in these professions.

Working with professionals and business owners, such as Mike Peters at East Main Gardens, in these specific fields has inspired many students throughout the years to pursue opportunities related to these industries. Because of the hard working and passionate individuals who assist with these programs, students have discovered their own passion and pursued careers that best suit their individual desires and strengths. 

Just look at Angie Mann, who had a 20-year nursing career at Lakeland Hospital here in Niles after participating in the Professional Health Careers Academy while she attended Niles High School. Angie has now gone full circle to teach the program to our future healthcare professionals.

We are proud to partner with businesses who share our vision for future student success and I want to thank those who have given much of their time and knowledge. I’d also encourage others interested in providing such opportunities to contact my office.

According to the Association for Career & Technical Education, the average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 93 percent, compared to an average national freshman graduation rate of 80 percent. These statistics demonstrate that CTE programs are positively linked to student achievement, both academically and post-graduation.

We are glad to be able to offer a program that is focused on college preparation and career readiness for our students.

As a district, we look forward to continuing to inspire young students and enhance these programs through initiatives like The Niles Career Network so that they may reap the benefits for years to come. Thank you again to all those who have helped make these programs a possibility — it means a world of difference for our learners.

Go Vikings!

Dr. Dan Applegate is the superintendent of Niles Community Schools.