EBRP Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC)

Total Duration: 2014 – 2018

Estimated Investment: ~$17 million (public and private financing)

Impact: Established a high-performing technical high school preparing students for college and career pathways in high-demand industries.

Public Benefit: Activated a key site within the Ardendale redevelopment area, expanded access to workforce-aligned education, and provided young people with real credentials and real career opportunities.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) is a regional technical high school that delivers hands-on training in high-wage, high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, digital media, manufacturing, and technology. Opened in 2018, the school is a cornerstone of the Ardendale redevelopment area and a flagship for educational innovation in the parish.

Build Baton Rouge (then the Redevelopment Authority) donated the 7.14-acre parcel for CTEC and provided infrastructure access to support the development. The project represents a close partnership between BBR, the EBR Parish School Board, Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC), and regional industry leaders.

CTEC allows students from across the parish to attend half-day sessions while remaining enrolled at their home high school. Students earn industry-based certifications, participate in internships and dual enrollment, and graduate ready to enter the workforce or continue their education.

Project Objectives

Create a state-of-the-art high school that connects students to technical careers

Deliver industry-recognized certifications and work-based learning experiences

Expand educational access for students from historically under-resourced neighborhoods

Activate a key site in the Ardendale redevelopment area with a community-benefit use

Foster partnerships between public education, higher ed, and employers

Support the city’s long-term goals for equity, workforce readiness, and corridor revitalization

Our Role

Land Banking

We acquire, hold, and prepare vacant and tax-adjudicated properties for redevelopment that aligns with community priorities.

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Community Benefits

Beyond buildings and infrastructure, every BBR project aims to create lasting impact. These benefits reflect how the project improves lives, supports neighborhood growth, and contributes to Baton Rouge’s long-term vitality.

Benefits:

Over 1,000 students served annually through half-day workforce programs
Offers programs in Nursing, Emergency Medical Services, Construction, Cybersecurity, Digital Media, and more
Students graduate with credentials, college credits, and job experience
Strengthens regional workforce readiness and local business pipelines
Provides high-quality education access to students across East Baton Rouge Parish
Serves as an anchor for further development within the Ardendale area

Partners

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Conclusion

CTEC is more than a school—it’s a gateway to opportunity. Through strategic land donation and coordination, Build Baton Rouge helped launch a model of education that connects students to real careers and transforms how neighborhoods grow. CTEC proves that when planning and public purpose align, the results change lives.