Junior high school counselors in the Gilbert Public Schools District have been learning about Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs as part of their preparation for the 2025-2026 academic year. Throughout August, counselors from Desert Ridge, Greenfield, Highland, Mesquite, South Valley, and GPS Global Academy toured CTE programs at Gilbert High School to observe how these courses integrate academic subjects with practical skills.
Career and Technical Education offers students a chance to explore different career clusters and earn industry certifications. Students can also participate in industry tours and gain college credit while working toward their high school diploma.
“When our Junior High Counselors know the opportunities available in CTE, they can help students connect their passions to possible careers, earn college credit and industry-recognized certifications, and launch into the workforce, regardless of pathway, with confidence and experience.” Says Renita Miller, Program and Workforce Development Coordinator at Gilbert Public Schools.
The district currently provides 21 CTE programs to more than 5,500 high school students across its five comprehensive campuses in Gilbert and Mesa. These courses are designed to align students’ interests with potential career paths.
High school students are required to complete at least two credits in CTE or Fine Arts as part of graduation requirements. In addition to core subjects like Math and English, CTE classes offer hands-on learning experiences that often reinforce concepts taught in standard curricula. For example, participants in the Agriscience program at Gilbert High School reported greater engagement in Geometry after applying mathematical concepts during welding projects.
The Agriscience program allows students to earn certifications such as OSHA 10, Arizona Landscape Contractors Association credentials, BASF Plant Science certification, Elanco Fundamentals of Agriscience certification, as well as dual-enrollment credits through community colleges.
Data from the district shows that students enrolled in CTE programs have graduation rates exceeding 97%. More than three-quarters of these students move on to postsecondary education or training, military service, or employment within six months after completing their program.
Gilbert Public Schools’ CTE offerings aim to equip students with both technical skills and soft skills needed for future employment or further study. For additional information about these programs: https://www.gilbertschools.net/cte
