Episode
The New Millionaire Class is the CTE Student with Troy Long
- Published
- Aug 19, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 1807
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Summary
Our guest for this episode of College & Career Readiness Radio is Troy Long. Troy Long’s journey from CTE student to district leader illustrates how career and technical education (CTE) energizes students—especially in urban settings—by connecting their interests and strengths to engaging, hands-on learning. CTE isn’t just a pathway to careers—it’s a powerful driver for college persistence and post-secondary success, busting myths about vocational education being a “lesser” option. Articulated agreements between high schools and colleges allow students to earn college credits through their CTE or academic classes—without additional tuition costs. These credits give students a leg up, enabling them to graduate college with less debt, more skills, and higher earning power. Troy emphasizes partnership with local colleges and universities (e.g. Thomas Edison State University, Rider, Mercer County) and the importance of curriculum alignment for valuable, transferable credits. He tells us that CTE can create a more attractive district, increase enrollment, and garner greater federal funding (e.g. Perkins allotments) for CTE programs. CTE courses scheduled at the start of the day motivate students to attend, boosting engagement and overall achievement—even in math and English. Troy says that top-performing schools show thriving CTE pathways correlate strongly with improved attendance and graduation rates. CTE gives students their “why” and “how,” driving enthusiasm and retention across comprehensive and vocational districts. CTE cultivates entrepreneurial mindsets, teaching business skills, marketing, and product development through dedicated pathways and competitions. Students experience the entire journey, from innovation (like alarm pillows for oversleepers) to pitchin…