In the past, the notion of “college for all” failed to inspire students to adopt a love for learning. This is because not every high school student aspires to attend four more years of school. This doesn’t mean that they lack motivation; it simply means that they are motivated to pursue different paths that align with their interests and goals.
In today’s educational landscape, there has been a significant shift towards fostering engaging and meaningful learning experiences. This transformation includes Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses that employ hands-on and project-based teaching methods, which students frequently find more appealing than conventional classroom environments. By connecting their education to real-world scenarios, students feel motivated and driven to succeed. The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) found that…
89%
of CTE students felt that their program helped them develop pride in their work93%
of CTE students gained a sense of direction or purposeBy leveraging community and industry partnerships, districts can get valuable insights into local workforce needs, so they can design CTE programs to prepare students for local, in-demand careers. Such partnerships also provide students with valuable networking opportunities, internships, and job shadowing experiences.
A closer look at Stuart Career Tech High School in Goose Creek CISD reveals the transformative power of CTE programs and their real-world impact. This campus serves as a prime example of how effectively incorporating industry insights and community collaboration can shape CTE curriculum, facilities, and outcomes.
The district had an active career training program that required busing students from across the area. However, they hoped to consolidate and improve student career readiness by building a stand-alone high school to serve 900 full-time students. To ensure that the programs offered are in demand, the district convened a panel of 70 subject-matter experts, including regional business, industry, and post-secondary education representatives. This panel built a 10-year plan for career training and certifications based on the Texas Workforce Commission’s list of high-growth gulf coast occupations. The six career academies, Advanced Automotive, Agriculture Sciences, Information Technology, Digital Communications, Culinary Arts, and Manufacturing and Industrial Maintenance now set the standard for other regional CTE programs.
All of our academies are designed to provide services that could be used by our community. From pet grooming to preparing a four-course meal; our students can do it all, and we want our community to look at us to fulfill those needs.
Pfluger’s redesign consolidated three underused facilities in a phased development plan, so the school could remain open during construction. By sharing resources between programs and augmenting the existing buildings with materials and program-specific spaces, we were able to make the most of a limited budget. Classrooms were strategically positioned for interdisciplinary collaboration, and separate secure entrances were provided for public-facing programs.
In just three years, students at Stuart Career Tech High School have already made remarkable achievements.
Success Stories:
The Advanced Automotive Program has competed and won 2 consecutive years in the Top Tech Challenge hosted by the Universal Technical Institute. This years winner, Aaron Brumit, earned a $10,000 UTI tuition grant and a Snap-on tool chest and toolset for the high school, valued at $2,365.
The program has also had state qualifiers yearly in the SkillsUSA Automotive, Diesel, and Collision Competitions.
The Agricultural Sciences Academy celebrated the success of its first graduating class, boasting a 100% pass rate on the state-certified veterinary assistant exam. Through hands-on experiences in pet care and grooming, the academy prepares students with practical skills for their future careers.
Students at the Ag Barn have competed in various big shows, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Dallas State Fair, and events in San Antonio and Fort Worth.
The school’s Culinary Arts students have established and actively run a restaurant called “Titan Table.” These seniors work towards their Completion Certificate in Advanced Culinary Arts or their Culinary Associates degree through dual credit classes with Lee College. Students take the lead during restaurant hours, gaining real-world experience in the culinary field.
Stuart Career Tech High School has also partnered with Stephen F. Austin State University to offer their Distinguished High School Program to eligible students. This program offers guaranteed admission, unique scholarships, and enhanced services to eligible students. Students ranking in the top 10% can receive up to $5,000 and students ranking in the top 11-25% with 3.0 high school GPA can earn up to $3,000. There are several benefits of the program to students, including an application fee waiver, guaranteed admissions to students ranked in the top 30%, scholarship opportunities, SFA campus visit experience and more.
In addition to partnerships with educational institutions, Stuart Career Tech has fostered relationships with industry leaders. A generous donation from Lincoln Electric Company provided seven welding machines, one worth $5,000, for the Manufacturing and Industrial Maintenance Academy. At a school career fair, several ExxonMobil employees were able to speak to students about their careers, personal journeys, and experiences in the industry. Justin Kay, a mechanical journeyman machinist and compressor crew member, explained the mutual benefits of this partnership: “The company and crafts mutually benefit from a recruiting effort at the local level. Embracing craft development and participating in a partnership with local trade schools provides limitless value to all parties involved.”
It means the world to us that our business partners and community care about our programs and these kids to give us material to work with.
Stuart Career Tech High School is transforming the educational journey of its students through hands-on experiences, valuable community partnerships, and industry support. With careful planning, the curriculum in each academy is aligned with industry standards, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in their programs and learn using modern equipment and current best-practices. Embracing the district’s inspiring motto, “here, we grow giants,” Pfluger is eager to witness the remarkable giants these students will become as they continue to develop and excel in their chosen fields.
As Stuart Career Tech High School moves forward, its students are well-equipped to achieve even greater things. The latest graduating class had 53 graduates, with 12 earning associate degrees, over 30 obtaining Lee College Certificates, and six becoming certified veterinary assistants. The district, Pfluger, and the entire community can take pride in the “giants” they have helped grow. Together, we are not only transforming individual lives but also building a workforce that is ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
As a group of students now being the second class to graduate, it’s pretty incredible. We got to see this amazing school grown and be so much more than expected.
