Kenai Peninsula CTE students achieve 97% graduation rate

Career and technical education students in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District achieved a 97% graduation rate, according to a presentation to the House Education Committee on Monday.

The district's CTE programs served students from diverse economic backgrounds, with 32% of CTE concentrators qualifying as economically disadvantaged. Students taking two or more CTE classes achieved graduation rates ranging from 94.78% to 98.73% across different cohorts, according to district data.

Analea Caron, College and Career Readiness Coordinator for the district, told the committee the programs connect students with industry partnerships that lead directly to Alaska employment. The district offers extensive dual enrollment opportunities, with some students earning associate degrees before high school graduation.

"Kenai Peninsula School District has a goal through our CTE program of making sure that every student is a lifelong learner who will graduate with the knowledge, skills, integrity, perseverance, and community connectedness to be successful in their post-secondary careers," Caron said.

The district operates programs in welding, emergency medical technician training, certified nursing assistant certification, and partnerships with Kenai Peninsula College. Students can earn occupational endorsement certificates while completing high school requirements.

Caron highlighted two 2026 seniors as examples of the program's success. Bradley Morrison at Kenai Central High School completed the welding program at Kenai Peninsula College and will graduate in May with an occupational endorsement certificate in welding. He placed first in SkillsUSA statewide competition and will compete at nationals. William Klein at Soldotna High School completed the EMT program in fall 2025 and enrolled in a full course load at University of Alaska Anchorage for fall 2026, planning to pursue paramedicine.

"Capturing both of these gentlemen and keeping them in Alaska is one of our successes through the CTE program," Caron said.

The district faces challenges serving its geographically diverse area, which stretches from Tyonek to Nanwalek and Port Graham. Some schools require air or boat access. To address capacity constraints, the district offered short courses and camp-style learning, partnering with the Alaska Health Consortium for Introduction to Healthcare classes at three locations and with Alaska Resource Education for energy, petroleum, and maritime programs.

Soldotna and Kenai chambers of commerce run job shadow programs. The Kenaitze Indian Tribe operates apprenticeship programs and started an Ed Rising group. Central Peninsula Hospital and South Peninsula Hospital opened facilities for student job shadows, including allowing juniors and seniors to observe a live cesarean section.