The Kansas CTE Scholar initiative is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) students finishing their senior year of high school.

Overview

Local school staff will determine whether a student has successfully met the Kansas CTE Scholar criteria explained below, and submit the submission form and documentation by March 1. (See the Kansas CTE Scholar Guide for additional information.)

Olathe students who earn Kansas CTE Scholar status will be recognized in the following ways: 

• Certificate with student’s name
• Graduation honor cord
• Commemorative pin
• Statewide news release
• KSDE website recognition

Criteria

All four criteria are required to earn the Kansas CTE Scholar achievement. Students should complete the application as specified in the CTE Scholar Guidebook. The four criteria are as follows.

1. Senior level who has earned or presently enrolled in 3.0 or more credits within a pathway with CTE GPA of 3.5 or better in CTE coursework.
2. Technical Skill Attainment:
   1. Earned end of pathway assessment/certification for completer status
   2. Certifications on Kansas Pathway Assessments and Credentials (K-PAC) list
   3. Earned Excel in CTE Qualifying Recognized Credential aligned to pathway
   4. Earned 9+ college credits aligned to pathway
   5. Complete a high-quality WBL experience in career prep category aligned to pathway according to the WBL Digital Reference Guide
3. Civic engagement with verification letter OR 100 hours of community service
4. Career Vision Summary Statement, less than 175 words

For additional information about KS CTE Scholars, please contact the district CTE Coordinator Barbra Gonzales or your high school Career Pathways Counselor.

The Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors high school seniors who have demonstrated high achievement academically or in the arts; some having to overcome special challenges or hurdles to do so. Starting in 2016, outstanding students who demonstrated excellence in career and technical education were included for Presidential Scholar recognition. Each high school may nominate two Presidential Scholars in CTE each school year.

For more information about the program, please visit the Kansas State Department of Education webpage about Presidential Scholars.

For additional information on the program and awards, please visit the U.S. Department of Education – U.S. Presidential Scholars program webpage.