“Our CTE programs cover a broad variety of options for kids, starting as early as seventh grade,” CTE Director Bretton Schulz said.
CTE pathways include:
- Health Science, with the opportunity to earn a variety of medical certifications such as: Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician and Certified Nurse Aide
- Culinary Arts, which leads to earning a ServeSafe Manager certification
- Cosmetology, leading to a Cosmetologist license from the State of Texas
- Engineering, with hands-on training in Fusion 360 and other industry-standard technology
- Agriculture and Agricultural Mechanics, offering a variety of industry-based certifications
- Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Audio/Video Production and more, targeted to meet Central Texas workforce needs
- Automotive Repair, resulting in an Automotive Service Excellence certification
By learning real world skills in a supportive, educational environment, students begin to identify their strengths and clarify their goals before setting foot in college or a full-time job.
Turning passion into purpose
CTE participation is a core part of the GISD experience.
“Currently, 87% of high school students are enrolled in a CTE class,” Schulz said. “Over the course of their time in high school, 97% take a class, so our reach is extremely broad.”
For students such as Hope Searcy, CTE is a transformative experience.
“When I first began the Culinary program, I was shy and too scared to step out of my comfort zone,” Searcy said. “I stuck to the simple skills I knew, never believing that I had real potential in this course.”
That changed when she began competing her junior year.
“I found a real passion for what I was doing,” she said.
Now a graduating senior, Searcy is president of her campus Family, Career and Community Leaders of America culinary club. This year, she competed at both the regional and state levels, placing first at state and qualifying for nationals.
“Not only has this program grown my culinary skills more than I ever thought it could, it gave me more confidence in every other aspect of my life,” she said. “Culinary taught me how to work hard, making me a valued team member at both of my jobs. It gave me social skills, improving my personal connections inside and outside school and work.”
Hope said her favorite part of the culinary program is the opportunities it provides her. Her advice to new students is simple:
“This course is not just about making and eating food, although that is a great part of it,” she said. “It’s about learning new skills and bettering yourself every day, but in order to do that, you have to put the work in.”
Learning from professionals
What sets GISD’s program apart is its instructors.
“Our teachers are the backbone of what we do, and it’s phenomenal to watch them teach our students,” Schulz said.
CTE teachers bring years of professional experience from their industries straight into the classroom. Activities such as ongoing externships with local employers allow these educators to stay current with trends and techniques, so students always receive relevant instruction.
Growth on the horizon
The CTE program is continuing to expand, with upcoming additions including manufacturing, esports, networking and advanced cybersecurity courses.
"We're going to be bringing in an advanced manufacturing program in automation and robotics that will start in the 2025-26 school year,” Schulz said. “We're also going to be bringing in cyber security and networking, and then we'll be bringing in an esports program as well. That'll be in the 2026-27 school year.”
The school is also doubling its capacity for their cosmetology program for the upcoming school year, credited in part to a wonderful partnership with SportClips.
“We've had a lot of interest from students, so it was great to be able to double that [capacity],” Schulz said. “We want to make sure we do the right things and bring in the right [programs] for the kids.”
With innovative courses, expert instructors and a commitment to student success, GISD is not just preparing students for the future; it’s helping them shape it.
To learn more about Georgetown ISD’s CTE programs, click here.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
