The overview
Kelley Broughton, executive director for college and career readiness, said the district’s CTE program includes 23 programs of study, embedded internships and student enterprises.
Enrollment growth in the CTE program has increased over 29% in the past three school years.
“We have now hit the point where 80% of secondary students are enrolled in a CTE course,” Broughton said.
A closer look
The district’s CTE program includes nine student-run businesses open to the public. These student enterprises allow CTE students to gain real work experience such as technical skills, marketing skills, financial skills and customer service skills, according to a district website.
The businesses include:
- Northwest Texan Designs
- Byron Nelson Bobcat Designs
- Eaton Metal Designs
- Texan Flowers
- Byron Blooms
- Eaton Floral Expressions
- Byron Bistro
- Shears of Steele
- Texan Pet Spa
What’s next
Broughton said growth of the program will continue next year and beyond. She highlighted several specific components coming soon include:
- Addition of a construction academy program at Northwest High School that will allow students to focus on trades while also preparing them for post-secondary construction science degrees
- The Cosmetology Academy moving to a new facility at Northwest High School to support high growth in numbers
- High School No. 4 programming to include new academy spaces
- Remodeling of Eaton Pet Spa at V.R. Eaton High School to accommodate growth
“I’m a big fan of the student-run enterprises,” Northwest ISD board President Steve Sprowls said. “I really wish we would advertise our student-run enterprises more. It still surprises people [we have them].”
