North Lamar ISD Spotlights Career & Technical Education Programs

Students share how CTE is preparing them for life beyond high school

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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North Lamar Independent School District is highlighting its Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs during CTE Month, giving students like Ava Rangel an opportunity to share how these programs are helping them develop valuable skills and explore potential career paths.

Why it matters

CTE programs provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences that can give them a head start on future careers. By offering a range of pathways, from business administration to other fields, CTE helps students gain practical knowledge and certifications that make them more competitive in the job market.

The details

Ava Rangel, a student in North Lamar's CTE Business Administration pathway, has developed strong skills in Microsoft Office applications and learned important business concepts. Through the program, she has gained exposure to various business career opportunities and is considering becoming an accountant. Rangel believes the CTE program offers flexibility and a solid foundation for students, even those who are still exploring their career goals.

  • February 2026 is CTE Month.

The players

Ava Rangel

A student in the Class of 2027 at North Lamar ISD who is enrolled in the CTE Business Administration pathway.

North Lamar Independent School District

A school district located in Lamar, Texas that offers a range of Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs to its students.

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What they’re saying

“I chose the CTE Business Administration pathway because I've always been interested in business, especially since my mom has worked in accounting for nearly 20 years. Seeing her career and learning about the different opportunities in the field made me realize how many directions you can take within business. I also learned that the CTE program offers a variety of job opportunities and certifications, which made it even more appealing.”

— Ava Rangel (myparistexas.com)

“Through this program, I've developed strong skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, along with learning important business concepts. These experiences have helped me better understand how these skills apply in real-world settings. Earning certifications and building technical skills has shown me how prepared I can be for future career opportunities.”

— Ava Rangel (myparistexas.com)

“While I am still deciding exactly what I want to do—possibly becoming an accountant—I feel confident that this pathway gives me flexibility and a solid foundation for whatever direction I choose. The CTE Business Administration has given me practical knowledge and experience that will benefit me in the future.”

— Ava Rangel (myparistexas.com)

“I also believe this program is a great option for students who are still exploring their career goals. It provides exposure to different areas within the business field and helps students build valuable, transferable skills. For anyone unsure about their future or considering changing their program of study, the CTE Business Administration pathway offers meaningful opportunities and a strong starting point for long-term success.”

— Ava Rangel (myparistexas.com)

The takeaway

North Lamar ISD's CTE programs, like the Business Administration pathway, are providing students with hands-on learning experiences and practical skills that can help them succeed in a variety of future careers. By offering diverse CTE options, the district is empowering students to explore their interests and gain valuable certifications that make them more competitive in the job market.