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
• Eligible for a JCCC full-ride scholarship for 2 years

Criteria

All six criteria are required to earn the KS CTE Scholar status. Students should complete the application and submit it to their locally identified person who will then review, verify completion, and forward to the Kansas State Department of Education when all benchmarks are met. The six criteria are as follows.

1. Senior level status
2. Have earned or presently enrolled in 3.0 or more CTE credits with documentation of technical skill attainment
3. CTE GPA of 3.5 or better in CTE coursework
4. Civic engagement or outstanding community service with verification letter
5. Workplace experiences (PLE)
6. Career Vision Summary Statement

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.