The field of career and technical education (CTE) has been evolving in recent years. Formerly known as vocational education, high-quality CTE programs are being championed by educators, policymakers, and employers alike, who recognize that these robust models can help high school students acquire the skills, training, and postsecondary credentials they need to thrive in the twenty-first century workforce. The economic recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the need for these programs. This brief provides examples of programs that studies show improved academic outcomes and increased earnings.