PENDER COUNTY — Pender County Schools has been recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for its exceptional achievement in Career and Technical Education credential attainment for the 2023-2024 school year. The district has earned a place among the top ten North Carolina public school units in both the total number of credentials earned and the highest credential attainment rate.
Dominique Bates, PCS Director of Career and Technical Education, praised the district’s CTE team for their tireless efforts in ensuring students not only meet but exceed the standards required to earn valuable credentials.
“This accomplishment is a result of the hard work and dedication of our entire CTE team, including our exceptional teachers who not only deliver the necessary content but also inspire their students to push themselves to succeed,” Bates said. “This success is a testament to our students mastering the curriculum and being equipped with the skills to gain a competitive edge in the global workforce.”
Credentials, which align with 85% or more of CTE curriculum content, have been shown to give students an advantage when entering the job market. Bates highlighted the role of the PCS CTE team’s behind-the-scenes support. Pender County Schools’ achievement is also credited to the district’s Career Development Coordinators (CDCs), who monitor progress and provide essential support to teachers and students throughout the credentialing process.
“Our team’s collaboration and unwavering commitment have made a tangible difference,” Bates said. “We are so proud to see our district leading the way in both credential attainment and preparation for the workforce.”
In the 2023-2024 academic year, North Carolina CTE students earned 69,746 credentials aligned with the state’s Workforce Credentials, contributing to a 53% statewide credential attainment rate. The North Central region led in the total number of credentials earned, while the Northwest region posted the highest credential attainment rate at 67.4%.
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