Career & Technical Education, Lee County

Nicole Rodenfels and Bethany Lloyd from Career and Technical Education (CTE) had the opportunity to attend the Greater Fort Myers and Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce luncheon featuring former Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp and Kelly Thawley from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Jeff Kottkamp spoke about how Florida tax dollars are utilized throughout the state and emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in CTE programs. He specifically highlighted the growing needs for Aerospace Technologies and semiconductors and the critical role schools play in preparing students for these high-demand careers.

Kelly Thawley shared how FGCU is actively building programs and partnerships designed to bridge employment gaps and create stronger pathways between education and workforce needs.

It was encouraging to hear business, education, and community leaders continuing to recognize the value and impact of CTE programs in preparing students for Florida’s future workforce.

🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟

We are proud to celebrate Gateway High School - Home of the Eagles senior, Lauren Exposito, and the outstanding graduating seniors of Gateway High School!

Lauren was awarded an FSW scholarship in recognition of her exemplary academic achievements and dedication to her high school CTE Medical Academy program. Among her many accomplishments, Lauren became the only junior in a class of seniors to earn her phlebotomy certification — an incredible achievement that highlights her hard work and determination.

In addition to her academic success, Lauren has taken on leadership roles in student-led clubs focused on cancer awareness and community support.

This fall, Lauren will attend Florida SouthWestern State College to pursue nursing with the goal of becoming a trauma nurse.

A special thank you to Florida SouthWestern State College for providing this opportunity and supporting students as they pursue their educational and career goals.

Congratulations, Lauren! Your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see all you accomplish. 💙🎓🩺
School District of Lee County

Celebrating innovation, leadership, and the future of technology!

What an inspiring experience at the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing event! From engaging panel discussions with incredible women in tech to recognizing the achievements of talented young scholars, the day was filled with motivation and meaningful connections.

Nicole Rodenfels attended this event to support the IT programs in our district and to celebrate the impact of CTE in creating opportunities for students to explore careers in technology. Seeing these students receive well-deserved recognition for their hard work and passion in computing is exactly why CTE programs matter—building confidence, expanding access, and opening doors to future success.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible and to the students who continue to lead the way forward.

If you ever wonder about the real-world impact of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, look no further than Abby! 🐾

Abby’s journey started in the Vet Tech program at Mariner High School. She didn't just study—she put in the work to earn the certifications that jump-started her dream. Here’s how her momentum built:

✨ Volunteer work at Cape Coral Pet Vet for hands-on experience.
✨ A CTE internship that bridged the gap between classroom and clinic.
✨ A permanent position on the team right after!

Today, Abby isn’t just an employee; she’s a leader who has already earned a promotion. We are so proud of the example you’ve set for every student at the School District of Lee County, Abby! 🌟

It was an honor for us to host the Horizon Foundation Lee County Executive Committee today for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at our local CTE programs! 🎓

While we have visited these schools many times for the School District of Lee County Advisory Board meetings, being able to step into the classrooms and see the programs in action was an eye-opening experience—even for us.

📍 First Stop: Dunbar High School
Dunbar continues to set the global bar for STEM education. It is mind-blowing to realize that every student in their IT Academy has the potential to earn over 24 Information Technology certifications by graduation. That is a massive head start on a high-wage, high-demand career path. 💻🛡️

📍 Second Stop: Estero High School
We headed south to dive into the details of Estero’s prestigious Cambridge International Education Program and their brand-new Solar Program. This innovative solar curriculum is currently the only one of its kind within a 2.5-hour radius! ☀️🔋

A huge thank you to Jennifer Seluk and Carl Burnside, Ed.D., for opening your campuses to us. Thank you for showing our business leaders the incredible talent and workforce-ready skills we are cultivating right here in Lee County!

📣📣 Check out Sarah! She is in charge of setting up the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation Sprouting Station for the AG Foundations students at Buckingham Exceptional Student Center.

This amazing class is collaborating with AG programs district-wide by growing plant starts for delicious School Grown Salads! 🌱 🥗 These starts are headed to Bonita Springs Middle Center for the Arts and will be on the salad bar in 3-5 weeks!

School District of Lee County
School District of Lee County - Food & Nutrition Services

🎉🦟 Thank you Lee County Mosquito Control District for hosting Mariner High School Veterinary Assisting students!!

Excellent opportunity to learn about area mosquito prevention & control, along with the various career opportunities. We appreciated getting hands on learning about the Sentinel Chicken program and heartworm prevention efforts. Couldn't have done it without our partners in the Environmental Education Dept!