303% Student Enrollment Growth in Dolton 149 Career & Tech Ed Program

(Dolton, IL)—Dolton School District 149’s new Career and Technical Education program has grown from 60, 7th and 8th-grade students last year, its first year of operation, to 242 students, now including 6th-grade students, in the 2024-2025 school year, a 303% increase.

In addition to offering Middle School scholars professional pathways in the fields of Agriculture, Performing Arts, Music Production, Skilled Trades, and Culinary Arts, Dolton 149 this year added cosmetology and barbering, which drove student vocational enrollment this year, according to the district’s top official.

“The exposure to career pathways in this multi-year sequence of programming not only enriches their academic experience, but also it is a critical connection for affirming in them a sense of professional possibility,” said Superintendent Dr. White at Dolton 149’s regular Board of Education meeting on September 30. “By expanding our programming to include cosmetology and barbering and 6th grade students we have significantly increased the pool of students who will complement their academic experience by learning practical vocational skills, too.”

Dr. White noted that this year Dolton 149 turned our middle school into grade level centers and brought 6th graders over from the elementary schools.

The district’s new Career and Technical Education program also drew praise from the district’s top elected official.

“I am thrilled that the new Career and Technical Education program has excited student curiosity and participation thanks to the addition of the cosmetology and barbering offerings,” said Board President Lolita C. Liggons. “The Board of Education is committed to investing in programming that interests students and that provides opportunities for them to prosper professionally in the future.”

The introduction of the Career and Technical Education program to Dolton 149 middle school scholars has not only broadened student skills and achievement but also improved student attendance rates and decreased behavior incidents among the students who are enrolled in the program.

“We have correlated behavior and attendance data to the Career and Technical Education program which shows a marked improvement by students in both categories,” said Dr. White. “Student interest and enthusiasm for the program is measured by data, and the data demonstrates success.”

Dr. White outlined her vision for the future of the program.

“Their potential is limitless when given the best opportunities,” said Dr. White. “We will continue to seek partnerships that will make our students college and career-ready in the 21st century and beyond.”

davidormsby@davidormsby.com