ROYAL CITY - Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students at Royal High School have joined others across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.

This year's theme is CTE: Careers Through Education. According to FBLA advisor Pete Christensen, CTE Month provides an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE educates students to be college- and career-ready and prepares them for high-wage, high-demand career fields.

"At a time when job opportunity is so critical, CTE programs in every community are ensuring students are adequately equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce," Christensen said.

"As the American economy recovers, the role of CTE is increasingly important," he added. "CTE programs, such as FBLA-PBL, play a critical role in preparing America's future workforce and improving the United States' economy."

The Royal FBLA members have joined with FBLA chapters around the state in a program for "Make a Wish". It is called Making a Change, With Change.

Students will collect change to donate to the Make a Wish Foundation at the state FBLA conference in April. Royal did the same two years ago and collected more than $250 to be added to regional total of more than $1,200.

Royal FBLA members are also preparing for the annual winter conference. Students will participate in a wide range of competitive events with varying business related subjects.

"We have had as many as 17 individuals qualify for state in the past and look forward to another successful year," Christensen said.