The Mesa Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) department sets students on pathways to success, and helps them answer the important question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
The growth of CTE programs is an example of the support and excitement from industry and community. Students enjoy rich opportunities to explore career paths, earn industry credentials and college credits, and obtain real world experience — while still in high school.
Marlo Loria, director of CTE and innovative partnerships, shares that Mesa strives to encourage students and parents to talk about career pathways as early as fifth and sixth grade.
“It’s through the exploration process that students discover their passions,” Marlo said. “CTE engages students, brings real-world relevance to their everyday learning, and truly leads them to college and career readiness.”
Seventh-graders have access to a career exploration class that helps them develop their Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP). In eighth grade, all students take the ACT Explore test, which includes a career inventory section. Students in grades nine through 12 work closely with counselors, using their ECAPs to identify career aspirations and important coursework that will help them accomplish their goals.
Junior high students use their ECAPs as another tool to select CTE electives in subjects including computer technology, culinary arts, engineering, and health sciences. High schools offer an expanded variety of fields, which will include 27 program options in fall 2021. Programs are diverse and innovative, including sports medicine, biotechnology, software development, automotive and welding technologies, and new Amazon Web Services, cybersecurity and construction technologies options.
Exciting Careers of the Future
This fall, CTE is partnering with the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and ElevateEdAZ to provide a bridge between the business sector and high school education. Another key piece is connecting with community educators and mentors, so students can build relationships that could lead to future internships and employment.
Dobson High School Principal Gabbi Buckley shares that her school’s location is ideal for the cybersecurity program considering its close proximity to the Price corridor, which is home to companies such as GoDaddy and Shutterfly. The demand for the cybersecurity field continues to grow each year.
“The goal is that students in this program will be able to earn certifications so that they can seek gainful employment right out of high school,” Gabbi said. “Cybersecurity is a field that all companies use — including hospitals, school districts and banks. We are excited for our future Mustangs to have this opportunity!”
Learn more at mpsaz.org/cte.