YOUTH, CTE, TRADES, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Oregon State University’s Youth CTE, Trades, and Workforce Development Initiative is a strategic, statewide effort focused on expanding youth awareness, access, and readiness for careers. This initiative integrates career exploration into existing OSU youth programs, including 4-H, Outdoor School, Agriculture, Kids Spirit, and Open Campus, while introducing high-opportunity pathways across sectors.

Vision

To ensure Oregon youth—especially in rural and underserved areas—can envision and pursue fulfilling careers in high-need industries by leveraging OSU’s youth programs as career-connected learning platforms.

Why

Higher education doesn’t always mean a four-year degree. Career and Technical Education (CTE) and trade programs provide an important pathway to successful careers, and this preparation is also underfunded in rural schools. This is why our programs focus on both college and career access, ensuring that students have the chance to explore all pathways—whether that means a college degree or entering a trade.