This study examined the perceptions of community college administrators and instructors; district high school administrators, guidance counselors, and CTE department; and a workforce employer of the value of career and technical education. This study also examined the historical and present perceptions of the district- and state-level officials regarding career and technical education and its ability to address the issue of an ill-prepared workforce and college readiness. Data were collected from several sources. Quantitative data were collected in the form of questionnaires to administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, and a workforce employer in North Carolina. The quantitative data can be used to determine the needs of the local employers and to gain perceptions of community college administrators and instructors; district high school administrators, guidance counselors, and CTE department; and a workforce employer as they pertain to the preparedness of students to be college and career ready. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]