{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Beyond the Box","title":"Expanding Career Pathways Through Regional CTE Collaboration with Eric Ripley","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1097,"description":"In this episode of Beyond the Box, host Dr. Ronald G. Taylor welcomes Eric Ripley, Executive Director of Career & Technical Education at Grand Forks Public Schools. Drawing on nearly three decades in CTE as both an educator and administrator, Eric shares how career and technical education has evolved from a program once viewed as an alternative pathway into an essential opportunity for every student.\nEric discusses the importance of instructional coherence, industry partnerships, and stakeholder collaboration in designing meaningful CTE experiences. He also explains how Grand Forks' new regional CTE center is expanding equitable access for students across rural North Dakota while preparing them with the transferable skills needed for today's workforce and tomorrow's careers.\nKey Moments\n01:45 Making CTE a pathway for every student\n04:31 Building stakeholder-driven CTE programs\n06:45 Opening a regional CTE center\n08:28 Designing programs around student outcomes\n10:02 Preparing students for an AI future\n11:24 Why transferable skills still matter\n12:47 Expanding access through regional partnerships\n14:30 Blending online and hands-on learning\n15:43 Master scheduling across multiple districts\n16:33 Flexibility for regional collaboration\n17:50 Keeping students at the center of decisions\nWhy You'll Love This Episode\nThis conversation explores how career and technical education can transform opportunities for students by connecting classroom learning with real-world careers. Eric shares practical leadership lessons on building strong industry partnerships, creating equitable access across rural communities, and designing CTE programs that prepare students for success in college, careers, apprenticeships, military service, and beyond.\nWhether you're leading curriculum, expanding CTE offerings, or strengthening workforce readiness, this episode offers valuable insights into creating programs that truly serve every learner.\nConnect with Eric Ripley | Executive Director of...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/6F5INjP28d1joK7ccr19ewduLyMSv8aIwuVtglKc25Q/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81OTc2/N2ZkOThhNmY2NmFk/ZDhkMjMxZGUwMTEy/NzU4OC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}