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
Big things are coming to the gym floor in Spring 2026. Students at Chaparral High School and Desert Mountain High School won’t just be learning about fitness, they’ll be stepping into the role of certified professionals. In an exciting new opportunity, students can earn the prestigious NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential as part of their high school experience.
The next generation of engineers and builders took center stage on March 10, as Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from Arcadia High School spent the morning with some local professionals. In a dynamic partnership aimed at bridging the skills gap, students participated in a specialized Construction Careers event coordinated by the Building Talent Foundation and hosted by industry leaders at Simpson Strong-Tie.
The highlight of the morning featured an informative speaker panel composed of local industry titans, including representatives from David Weekley Homes and Chas Roberts. These professionals moved beyond basic job descriptions, sharing personal stories of their journeys into:
Students from Chaparral High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter delivered a powerhouse performance at the recent FBLA Region 2 competition, earning multiple top-tier finishes across a wide range of business disciplines.
These accomplished students are part of the Business Operations program, a rigorous Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway led by Mr. Dave White. The program equips students for the modern corporate world through specialized coursework, including Tech Fundamentals, My Digital Brand, and the Business Operations Internship.
Students from Coronado High School’s Sports Medicine program reached a major milestone last week at the HOSA (Future Health Professionals) Eastern Region Conference. In the chapter’s very first year of competition, Aundrea Rodriguez and Zoey Valenzuela delivered an outstanding performance, placing fourth in their division.
Guided by Sports Medicine Instructor and Athletic Trainer Tessa Powell, Rodriguez and Valenzuela navigated a challenging series of events designed to test both clinical knowledge and hands-on healthcare skills. Their top five finish not only highlights their talent and dedication but also secures them a spot at the HOSA State Leadership Conference.
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CTE Month continues as we explore the Coding and Software Development program at Arcadia High School with instructor Shelley Alfieri-Brown and student Carter Friedberg.
From designing software and building databases to exploring networking and testing applications like industry professionals, these students are gaining real-world tech skills that go far beyond the basics.
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