By: Marissa Schwartz, Communications Specialist
During the month of February, we are celebrating students, teachers, and staff who support career technical education opportunities at our schools.
Career technical education (CTE) is defined as a program offering students with access to academic and technical skills to help them succeed in future careers after high school.
“Career Technical Education is a chance to see what it’s like to work in the real world before I graduate from high school. I get to ask questions and learn more about an industry before I even apply for a job," said Elizabeth Jimenez, a senior and arts, media, and entertainment student at Monterey High School.
According to the California Department of Education, research shows when students are enrolled in CTE courses they are more likely to have better attendance records, attend college or a postsecondary training program, and have a higher grade point average after high school. (Source: CTE General Public Fact Sheet)
“I think it teaches you a lot of like real-life application and even if that isn’t for biotechnology, its for things like business. So we learn how to invest in stocks for example and follow stock market trends," said Elijah Kortman, a sophomore and health science and medical technology student at Monterey High School.
Most CTE courses at our four high schools are aligned with A-G course standards. A-G courses are required for admission to both the University of California or California State University systems. (A-History, B-English, C-Math, D-Science, E-Language other than English, F-Visual and performing arts, G-College-prep elective)
“It gives you a lot of tools and materials you need to help you in your future, from building like cars to being able to help you code," said Matthew Rosellon, a senior and information and communication technologies student at Seaside High School.
At MPUSD, we offer courses in eight different industry sectors including:
- Arts, Media, and Entertainment
- Health Science and Medical Technology
- Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
- Building and Construction Trades
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Transportation
- Engineering and Architecture
- Education, Child Development, and Family Services
Different pathways are offered at all four of our high schools including Monterey High School, Seaside High School, Marina High School, and Central Coast High School. Among the eight pathways, students can choose from 27 different courses depending on the offerings at their school.
Throughout the school year, our CTE teachers and administrators work to provide students with opportunities to take field trips to see real workplaces tied to their field of study. Program leaders also work with community partners to bring in experts in their field providing students with a unique experience to ask questions and learn more.
In 2023, our school district launched a new website and community newsletter focused on career technical education. Our goal is to provide the CTE program with a platform to share information with students, families, teachers, and staff, as well as with community partners. Visit the website at cte.mpusd.net to learn more about which courses are available.
Some of our local community partners include: Artist Edi Matsumoto, Bollywood Dancer Piroj Mayekar, Cal State University, Monterey Bay, Center for Employment Training Watsonville, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Ebay, El Pajaro CDC Commercial Kitchen Incubator, Farm Discovery, Food Bank for Monterey County, Hartnell College, Joby Aviation, Kiwanis Club of Monterey, KSBW Action News 8, La Neta Murals, Lula's Chocolates, Monterey Bay F.C., Monterey County Health Department, Monterey Fire Department, Monterey Jet Center, Monterey Museum of Art, Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey Plaza Hotel, Monterey Symphony, Pacific Grove Art Center, Pebble Beach Company, Photographer Grace Khieu, ReGen Monterey, San Jose State University, Seaside Fire Department, Sunset Center, UC Santa Cruz Slugbotics, Wayside Garage, and Youth Arts Collective.