Demand for career and technical education programs is climbing in Cy-Fair ISD, as the state of Texas prioritizes industry readiness and more students show interest in college alternatives.
In a nutshell
Enrollment in career and technical education programs in Cy-Fair ISD has increased by almost 3,000 students in the last six years, according to annual district data. In the 2024-25 school year, 40,000 students across the district were enrolled in CTE courses.
Chief Academic Officer Tonya Goree said this is in part because high school students are taking advantage of the chance to obtain industry recognized certifications at a lower cost, which allow them to enter the work force right after graduation.
For example, the average cost of a post-secondary cosmetology program ranges from $13,000 to $20,000, Goree said, but CFISD students can complete the training for free with exception of the final exam cost.
A closer look
Goree said the health science program in particular is experiencing notable growth and demand, both within CFISD and across Texas, citing high demand and wages in the health care industry statewide. Industry certifications within this career cluster include:
- Certified nurse aide
- Emergency medicine technician, basic
- Pharmacy technician
- Registered dental assistant
- Patient care technician
“Increased student interest in practical, career-focused education plays a key role, especially as alternatives to traditional college paths gain value,” Goree said.
CFISD offers over 30 programs of study, including:
- Animal science
- Automotive technology
- Business management
- Cosmetology
- Culinary arts
- Environmental and natural resources
- Health science
- Robotics engineering and manufacturing
- Welding
Gov. Greg Abbott pushed for expansion of statewide CTE programs during the 89th legislative session and in February listed high school career training as an emergency item.
While CFISD has not historically struggled with CTE funding due to high enrollment, the additional support is always beneficial, Goree said.
CFISD Chief Financial Officer Karen Smith said funding increases associated with the two pieces of legislation were funneled through House Bill 2, which gave a funding boost to public schools across the board, including CTE programs. According to a December 2024 report from the Texas Workforce Commission, the two industries projected to have the most high-wage and high-demand jobs are professional, scientific and technical services, as well as health care and social assistance.
One more thing
The Texas Legislature passed House Bills 20 and 120, which expand college and career readiness programs in public schools. The legislation also established that Junior ROTC courses are eligible for CTE funding.
The estimated CTE funding increase from HB 2 for the district is $1.2 million for FY 2025-26, Smith said, which came from the boost to basic allotment funding.
Smith said HB 2 included funding increases for reimbursement of two certification exams per student and to cover items like criminal background checks. Legislators set a statewide cap at $20 million, but per-district funding is unknown as of press time.
