Career & Technical Education
SUSD offers a variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at our comprehensive high schools. CTE programs focus on technical and professional skills that prepare students for post-secondary education and the workforce.
Pairing robust academics with technical skills is what gives students a competitive advantage in the post secondary and industry environment. Learn more about "Why CTE works".
What do CTE students offer Arizona? A lot! What is CTE really about? Giving students technical skills to find their place in the world of work. Whether students end up being self-employed, employing others, or working for an employer, skills will be needed to earn a living and be a contributor to society. The national association for CTE has the stats to prove how valuable CTE is to all of our students in Scottsdale, greater Arizona, and the entire U.S.
Take advantage of CTE programs in high school to learn a skill that could mean job placement tomorrow. Having a job while in college or any program after high school will mean less debt - maybe zero debt - to move forward in an apprenticeship or industry-sponsored program. Large employers are willing to train young individuals that need to start earning a livable wage right now. Checkout the always up-to-date Arizona Bureau of Labor stats on the number and types of jobs available in our great state.
Enroll in a CTE pathway by adding it to your course request form through your high school's registration process. CTE courses vary by site annually. Students have the opportunity to earn industry recognized certifications and dual enrollment credits through our CTE pathways. Additional CTE pathways are available through our partners at EVIT.
Career & Technical Education News
Chaparral High School’s CTE Engineering students traded computer screens for the manufacturing floor during Arizona State University’s annual Manufacturing Month Celebration on Oct. 24. Led by teacher Steve Geislinger, students spent the day turning classroom concepts into hands-on experience through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and networking opportunities.
Coronado High School’s CTE Digital Communication and Stagecraft students opened the year in the spotlight. On Oct. 2, the creative teams traded campus for the Phoenix Convention Center to attend the Arizona SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference, and they made their presence known.
Under the guidance of teacher Chelsea Brasen, students networked with peers from across the state and immersed themselves in workshops focused on leadership, collaboration, and competition readiness. The event offered a deep dive into the SkillsUSA organization, which promotes excellence and workforce readiness in technical education.
From perfecting digital communication techniques to mastering the art of stage presence, Coronado’s CTE students returned inspired, informed and ready to turn their skills into championship success.
New Dual Enrollment for Law and Public Safety Program
SCC Dual Enrollment approved for Law and Public Safety Offering at Chaparral High School in Criminal Justice courses for 2025-2026.
Tarnisha Tilson, CTE faculty member for Law and Public Safety program, was recently approved as an adjunct SUSD/SCC instructor for the 2025-2026 school year. Students enrolled in her Criminal Justice classes will be allowed to opt-in and pay dual enrollment credits for the following titles:
- AJS101 – Introduction to Criminal Justice
- AJS109 – Substantive Criminal Law
- AJS275 – Criminal Investigations
- AJS240 – The Correction Function
See your school counselor for more information on this pathway or contact Ms.Tilson at Chaparral High School for details.
Contacts
Jayme Fitzpatrick
Director of College & Career Readiness
Anthony Vogel
Career and Technical Education TOA for Professional Development and Curriculum
Christopher Costantini
CTE IT Support Coordinator II
Krista Demetrulias
CTE Programs of Study Coordinator
Lisa Heimburg
Federal and State Grants Coordinator