CTE Momentum is a U.S. Department of Education annual challenge series to prepare high school students for rewarding careers and increase access to career and technical education.
Many careers require specialized skills, and all students need opportunities to build skills for future success. Career and technical education (CTE) programs offer students hands-on opportunities to apply knowledge and skills that they learn in classroom settings. By expanding access to CTE, high schools can equip students with the skills they need for in-demand careers with promising pathways for advancement.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education will invite educators and high school students to participate in a new challenge focused on a topic of national importance. This annual series will empower educators with resources and inspiration to help American schools become centers of innovation and possibility.
The Department commenced the series in 2023 with the launch of the Your Place in Space Challenge, which inspired high school students to envision and pursue careers in the space industry. The series continued in its second year with the Power Your Future Challenge, which launched in August 2024. Sign up for the CTE Momentum newsletter to receive updates on the Power Your Future Challenge.