Join us for a special Career Technical Education (CTE) Showcase from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 4850 Pedley Road. The event is part of a broader High School Showcase designed to connect students with programs at every high school in Jurupa Valley. The CTE Showcase - free to students, families and the community - will detail a range of college and career training opportunities at the district's four high schools, educators said.
"Students will take the lead in promoting their programs and there will be many hands-on and interactive activities," said Roberta Pace, Director of College and Career Readiness for Jurupa Unified School District.
Educators expect the annual showcase, which will spotlight both new and established programs, to draw up to 500 people. This school year, the district has introduced or expanded career pathways in areas such as construction, culinary arts, engineering, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and public safety.
Typically, CTE entails a multi-year series of courses that blend core academic teaching with technical and occupational training, providing students with real-world, hands-on learning. For example: At JUSD, students have met with Tesla, toured construction sites and worked as athletic trainers at high school games. Such opportunities are "very popular" at JUSD, said Ms. Pace, who praised CTE graduates as "a critical part of the skilled workforce in our community and region."
The CTE Showcase will include information on career pathways in all 11 of Jurupa Unified's CTE industry sectors:
- Agriculture and natural resources
- Arts, media and entertainment
- Building and construction trades
- Engineering and architecture
- Health science and medical technology
- Hospitality, tourism, and recreation
- Information and communication technology
- Manufacturing and product development
- Marketing, sales, and service
- Public service (focus on public safety)
- Transportation (includes auto repair and logistics)
"Providing students with access to Career and Technical Education in school prepares them for college and careers," said JUSD Superintendent Elliott Duchon. "Jurupa Unified is dedicated to the effort because it truly empowers students to learn without limits."
Each year at Jurupa Unified, CTE programs grow, evolve and continue adapting to job-market needs. The district has delivered a dramatic expansion of such programs to serve the varied interests of Jurupa students, especially since California released more CTE funding in 2016.
At Nueva Vista High School, for instance, an expanded Operations program contains a logistics/warehouse lab. Meanwhile, starting this year at JVHS, students in the GIS program are combing the community to collect and analyze geographical data using mobile technology. Also new this fall: a Green Construction Technology program at Patriot High School. The curriculum will train students to build smart/green houses in a state that will require solar power in all newly built homes starting next year.
Broadly, CTE at JUSD is inclusive, expansive, and helps ensure that every student is prepared for college and careers.
"The district is to be commended for an increased focus on college and career preparation for Homeless Youth, Foster Youth, and Students with Disabilities," said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Judy D. White in a Sept. 13 letter approving JUSD's 2019-20 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP is a three-year plan, revised annually, to support and enhance local student learning.
In all, the event will help students, parents and the community learn firsthand about CTE pathways and facilities, technology programs, college, and career opportunities and more. Everyone is welcome, and it will be great to see you there.
