The expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities continue at Harlingen CISD as the 2018-2019 school year brings new career pathways to the district’s existing academies and the addition of a brand new academy – veterinary sciences.
The new programs include EMT, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), diesel technician, veterinary assistant, and plumbing.
“Through strategic and well-designed plans, HCISD has created an array of valuable CTE Academies and programs, which enhance the college and career readiness of our students,” said Raul Alvarez, Director of Career & Technical Education. “Over the last decade, CTE has morphed from mere vocational electives to being a foundation for the state’s mandated high-school graduation plan as well as a resource for improving the state’s workforce needs.”
The diesel technician program will be complementary to the already existing automotive services program. Furthermore, the new EMT program will also be made available to students in the Firefighters Academy since all firefighters are required to go through EMT training.
Each of these new career pathways will generate certification opportunities that will now form part of the total 37 certifications available to students across all seven HCISD Academies.
In 2017, HCISD launched the Apprenticeship, Firefighters, Health Science, Media Arts and Communications, Teacher, and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics academies. Students enrolled in these academies successfully completed their first year and worked with local business such as Valley Baptist Medical Center, SpawGlass, Harlingen Fire Department, and more.
Grounded in the 4 C’s – critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity – HCISD Academies go beyond the realm of traditional, secondary education to ensure students achieve post-graduation success.
To learn more about HCISD Academies, click here.
