The I.M.P.A.C.T of CTE: Equity, Inclusion, and Access

The North Orange County Regional Occupational Program (NOCROP) is addressing a critical labor market challenge highlighted by Orange County’s Economic Recovery Strategy, where only 32% of high-skilled, high-wage jobs are currently filled, leaving a significant skills gap exacerbated by rising living costs. Serving just over a quarter of the region’s 54,524 students—many of whom are socioeconomically disadvantaged, English learners, or students with disabilities—NOCROP recognizes the urgent need to expand equitable access to quality Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Their I.M.P.A.C.T. initiative (Innovative Mentorship Program and Career Training) aims to build a robust infrastructure supporting middle-to-postsecondary transitions by enhancing CTE programs in Automotive, Digital Visual Media Arts, Production Managerial Arts, and Child Development, while upgrading equipment and aligning curriculum with industry standards. Through partnerships with local community colleges, expanded work-based learning, teacher professional development, and increased certification opportunities, NOCROP seeks to bridge opportunity gaps and better prepare students for resilient, high-wage careers, ultimately contributing to the economic recovery and workforce strength of Orange County.

The K14 Pathway Quality Strategies work plan by North Orange County ROP (NOCROP) focuses on enhancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) through targeted curriculum improvements and expanded work-based learning opportunities to promote equity, inclusion, and access for all students across five districts. The initiative, driven by a collaborative team including local community colleges and industry partners, aims to strengthen CTE pathways in areas such as Transportation/Systems Diagnostics & Repair, Design Media Visual Arts, Production Managerial Arts, and Child Development by aligning curricula with industry standards, integrating mentorship programs, and updating equipment. Measurable outcomes include curriculum articulation agreements, industry certification pass rates, increased student engagement in internships, and strengthened teacher professional development. With over 15,000 students participating annually—many from disadvantaged backgrounds—the project prioritizes removing barriers to certification and access, providing flexible course schedules, and utilizing strong partnerships to sustain and grow CTE pathways that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage careers and postsecondary success.