GREENSBORO, NC - During this year’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Director’s Conference in Greensboro, it was announced that Pender County Schools CTE is now ranked number two in North Carolina, finishing just one-one hundredth of a point behind the top district. PCS earned an impressive 88.28% credential attainment rate, compared to Transylvania County’s 89.29%.
The conference brought together CTE leaders from across the state to share progress and celebrate district achievements. PCS’s continued rise reflects not only the hard work of its students but also the dedication of its CTE teachers, who continue to expand opportunities and strengthen career-aligned learning across all middle and high schools.
“We’re incredibly proud to move up to number two this year, and to come that close to number one,” said Dominique Bates, PCS Career Technical Education Director. “That’s about as close as it gets. And honestly, it just motivates us more. Our goal hasn’t changed: we want to be number one for our students, because they deserve the strongest preparation for their future careers.”
This recognition highlights the momentum within PCS’s CTE programs, strengthened through hands-on learning, industry certifications, and strong partnerships with local organizations and employers.
“This new ranking shows the power of CTE and the direction our district is heading,” said Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent of Pender County Schools. “To climb to second in the state speaks volumes about the work happening in our classrooms. With the continued support of our community, we’ll keep pushing to reach the top.”
Career Technical Education prepares students with real-world skills in fields such as healthcare, engineering, digital design, agriculture, construction, and more. With expanding programs and growing student engagement, PCS remains focused on helping graduates leave high school ready for college, careers, and the workforce of tomorrow.