CTE News
Future Ready Conference Empowers Chaparral Students to Step into Their Futures
Chaparral High School proudly hosted the 2025 Future Ready Conference on November 10th, a flagship event presented by the Scottsdale Unified School District Career & Technical Education (CTE) department in partnership with Scottsdale Rotary. The full-day, hands-on experience brought together more than 480 CTE students, all eager to explore in-demand careers, develop professional skills, and connect with industry leaders.
Throughout the conference, students participated in expert-led workshops that highlighted essential academic and workplace pathways, including:
- Professional Skills: Networking, personal branding, dress for success, and tie-tying instruction
- Hospitality: Hospitality management, culinary arts, and event planning
- Finance: Financial advising, paychecks, budgeting, taxes, and accounting
- Business: Entrepreneurship, opportunity identification, and real estate
- Engineering: Aerospace, electrical, mechanical, civil, biomedical, and architectural design
- Criminal Justice: Law, public safety, psychology, and related fields
A signature element of this year’s event was the involvement of more than 35 Scottsdale Rotary members, who volunteered as mentors, session leaders, and career experts. Their participation provided students with meaningful exposure to real-world professions and reinforced Chaparral’s commitment to building strong community partnerships.
Scottsdale Mayor Proclaims November DECA Month!
What is DECA?
DECA is a career and technical student organization (CTSO) that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. By integrating classroom instruction, applying learning, connecting to business, and promoting competition, DECA's programs teach essential life and career skills, preparing students for college and professional success.
- Goals: To develop leadership skills, foster community engagement, and promote career success through hands-on business simulations and competitive events.
- Membership: DECA serves over 230,000 high school and college members across all 50 U.S. states, Canada, China, Germany, and other countries.
AZ DECA's Local Impact
Arizona DECA (AZ DECA) is the official state-level association, serving thousands of high school students across Arizona. AZ DECA works to empower its members to be academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders.
- State-Level Events: AZ DECA hosts various events, including the Fall Leadership Conference and the State Career Development Conference (SCDC), where students showcase their business knowledge and skills.
The proclamation was presented to outstanding DECA students from Chaparral High School at the City Council meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025. This action highlights the city's support for the development of young entrepreneurs and emerging leaders through business education, innovation, and community impact programs. SUSD has large and thriving DECA chapters at Chaparral HS, under the leadership of Mason Renfer, and Desert Mountain HS, under the leadership of Richard Norris.
CTE Culinary Arts Setting the Table for Success
CCAP Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) is a workforce development nonprofit that empowers high school students & adults to become the next generation of leaders in food and hospitality. SUSD Culinary Arts students took part in the Harvest Moon Feast on Friday, November 7, 2025, at The Phoenician's historic Jokake Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year's event honored Chef Mark Tarbell, a longtime board member and supporter of C•CAP and mentor to countless students and alumni.
The Harvest Moon Feast brought together the best of Arizona's food and hospitality community for an impactful evening of culinary excellence. Guests enjoyed walk-around tasting of 30+ original dishes created by C•CAP Arizona high school students under the guidance of leading local chefs. Under leadership of Chaparral instructor Chef Jack Trier, students worked with Chef Kunal Sharma, Camelback Marriott to prepare a stunning and delectable Paella dish.
Proceeds from the Harvest Moon Feast directly benefit C•CAP Arizona's 8,000 students across the state's high schools, providing them with career readiness training, scholarships, job opportunities, and mentorship to help them thrive in the food and hospitality industry.
Chaparral’s Future Is Fab: Engineers Dive into Manufacturing
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.
The event was hosted at ASU’s West Valley campus and brought together industry leaders from companies such as Honeywell, Amkor Technology and FANUC, along with partners from the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Arizona Department of Education/CTE. Students rotated through booths, tested new technologies and discovered how engineering principles apply to real-world careers.
Students were challenged to explore multiple career pathways through a “career passport” activity, highlighting the creativity, precision and problem-solving that drive modern manufacturing. For Chaparral’s future engineers, the experience offered more than a field trip, it provided an inside look at the industries shaping tomorrow’s world.
Coronado SkillsUSA Takes Center Stage
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.
Saguaro High’s Graphic Design Lab: Where Concepts Become Reality
Forget chalkboards, the Graphic Design Lab at Saguaro High School looks more like a professional design firm than a classroom. Under the direction of teacher Matt Bohnert, the lab has been reimagined for the 2025–26 school year as a full-fledged School-Based Enterprise where creativity meets entrepreneurship.
Students in Saguaro’s Career and Technical Education program now run a functioning design business, producing professional-quality work for real clients. Equipped with industry-level tools, including a large-format printer and a direct-to-object printer, students are turning digital ideas into tangible products.
The hands-on experience extends far beyond design. Students collaborate with internal and external clients, manage projects from concept to delivery, and gain practical insight into running a business. The program bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional application, giving students a head start in both college and career readiness.
For more information, contact MBohnert@susd.org.
From Canvas to Capital: Chaparral Students Pitch Big Ideas
Chaparral High School’s new AP Business pilot class took innovation to the next level this fall, wrapping up its entrepreneurial unit with a high-stakes pitch competition. On Oct. 9 and 10, students who had spent the quarter developing original products, services or apps presented their business proposals to a panel of staff and administrators in a simulation modeled after a real-world investor pitch.
Teacher Mason Renfer emphasized that this wasn’t a TV-style gimmick, it was about strategy, analysis and persuasion. Students developed comprehensive business portfolios that included a full business canvas, value proposition, supply chain map and marketing plan.
Panels of faculty and administrators acted as investors, asking tough questions and offering professional feedback. The experience gave students a taste of entrepreneurship, transforming classroom theory into business acumen.
See what’s cooking at Chaparral High School
The Scottsdale Unified School District Culinary Arts CTE program gives students hands-on experience and career-ready skills they can utilize during high school and beyond to succeed in the food service industry!
Students in the program:
- Earn the ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification
- Get Dual Enrollment credit
- Complete the full course sequence in just one year
Enjoy full labs and simulations in a block class format This Signature Program is open to all SUSD students in grades 9-12, and transportation is provided! 👉 Learn more at SUSD.org/CTE!
CTE | Future Ready: Scottsdale Students Connect with Colleges and Careers
The 4th Annual SUSD College and Career Fair, a collaboration between the Scottsdale Unified School District and the City of Scottsdale, brought together over 1,000 students and community members on Thursday. The event took place at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library and featured approximately 115 exhibitors, including top universities like ASU, U of A, NAU, Ohio State University, San Diego State University, and New York University, as well as prominent local and national organizations.
Attendees explored a wide range of academic and professional pathways. Students learned about career opportunities directly from the Scottsdale Police Department and various U.S. Military branches. They also discovered opportunities at Pima Medical College and gained valuable insights from experts with the Scottsdale Rotary. Students left with a wealth of information, exciting swag, and a clear sense of optimism about their future.
CTE | Sizzling Partnership: Chaparral High Culinary Students Cook Up a Recipe for Success
Chaparral High School's Culinary Arts program, led by Chef Jack Trier, is teaming up with the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), a national nonprofit that offers career opportunities, scholarships, and job training for high school students. This partnership is already making waves, students are working with Chef Kunal Sharma of the JW Marriott Camelback Inn to prepare for the upcoming Harvest Moon Benefit, an annual gala supporting C-CAP. The event will be held Friday, November 7th at The Phoenician in Scottsdale.
Beyond this hands-on experience, the collaboration provides students with valuable scholarship opportunities and industry recognition. The partnership also gives Chaparral students a leg up in the job market with priority hiring at various resorts and restaurants throughout the Valley, creating a direct pipeline from the classroom to a professional kitchen.
CTE Spotlight: Gummy Bear Dissection? It’s More Than Just Sweet!
On September 3, Nursing students engaged in a hands-on project that was both fun and foundational: dissecting gummy bears using real medical tools. But this wasn’t just about candy, it was a creative and engaging way to introduce students to anatomical terminology and body planes.
Using gummy bears as 3D models, students practiced identifying correct anatomical positions and performed return demonstrations by cutting along the sagittal, transverse, and frontal planes, just like they would with real human anatomy. This early exposure to clinical tools and medical concepts helps students build confidence and precision from day one.
SUSD is proud to be partnering with both Honor Health and Banner Health this year, along with our local long term care facilities to provide clinical experience for students in the Saguaro HS program. At the completion of the program, students will have the opportunity to earn the Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Nursing Assistant credential from the Arizona Board of Nursing.
CTE - September 2025
College and Career Fair
Scottsdale Public Library and Scottsdale Career Services, in partnership with Scottsdale Unified School District, are hosting a College & Career Fair! This event is a fantastic opportunity for students in grades 5-12 and their families to meet college recruiters, discover trade programs, and explore various career pathways all in one convenient location. Whether you're planning for college, interested in a trade, or simply exploring your options, there's something for everyone.
Join us on Saturday, September 20th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, located at 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Don't miss out on-door prizes, giveaways, informational presentations, and interactive exhibits!
CTE Finance Program at Arcadia HS Named #1 in Arizona
The CTE Finance program at Arcadia High School and its teacher, Tom Otstot, have been recognized as the top-performing finance program in Arizona for 2025 based on the Technical Skills Assessment results. A remarkable 37 students scored 86% or higher, with three achieving a perfect 100%, contributing to a 100% pass rate for the school. This impressive achievement helped the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) secure the top-performing district title, with three of its schools ranking in the top four statewide for the finance program; Desert Mountain had the second-highest average score, and Chaparral placed fourth. In addition to a state-endorsed certificate and a transcript documenting their skills, CTE finance students also earn an Industry Recognized Credential in Customer Service and have the opportunity to earn six dual-enrollment credits through Scottsdale Community College. The program provides a solid foundation in personal finance while preparing students for rewarding careers in banking, insurance, real estate, and asset management.
Chaparral High School Teacher Tarnisha Tilson Named 2025-2026 ACTE Fellow
Tarnisha Tilson, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Criminal Justice Teacher at Chaparral High School, has been honored with a prestigious selection as a 2025-2026 Career and Technical Education AZ Fellowby the National Association for Career and Technical Education, the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. This distinguished recognition celebrates her significant impact on the field of CTE in Arizona. Her dedicated work and unique perspective are poised to enhance the program and help shape the future of vocational education across the state.
The ACTE AZ Fellows Program is a long-standing, transformative leadership journey designed for educators, administrators, counselors, and industry partners. As a fellow, Tilson will embark on an immersive experience aimed at strengthening her leadership and advocacy skills. She will participate in statewide initiatives and events, grow as a collaborative change agent, and make lasting contributions to the broader CTE community.
This honor is a testament to Tilson's commitment to student success and her role as a leader in her field. Her participation will not only elevate her professional growth but also bring valuable insights back to Chaparral High School and the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD).
Congratulations to Tarnisha Tilson for this outstanding achievement and for representing Chaparral High School, SUSD, and the entire state of Arizona.
((Insert photo of Tarnisha Tilson for outstanding achievement)))
CTE - August 2025
College and Career Fair Event!
Scottsdale Public Library and Scottsdale Career Services, in partnership with Scottsdale Unified School District, are hosting a College & Career Fair! This event is a fantastic opportunity for students in grades 5-12 and their families to meet college recruiters, discover trade programs, and explore various career pathways in one convenient location. Whether you are planning for college, interested in a trade, or simply exploring your options, there is something for everyone.
Join us on Saturday, September 20th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, located at 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Do not miss career professionals’ panels, door prizes, giveaways, informational presentations, and interactive exhibits!
EVIT Happenings
EVIT provides Scottsdale Unified School District high school students with the advanced skills and training needed to thrive in today's competitive job market. EVIT programming allows Scottsdale Unified students to create their own unique education pathway through a combination of high school and postsecondary programs. This Fall, 325 students will attend a program at an EVIT campus, and 96 SUSD students received scholarships totaling $25,721.00 from the EVIT Education Foundation.
New for Fall 2025, Coronado High School will be home to a Fire and Emergency Services program. This program will lead to licensure, certifications, and career pathways in Firefighting, Wildland Firefighting, Hazmat, and CPR.
CTE Students Earn Industry Credentials
Spring 2025 brought remarkable success for SUSD CTE program students in Level II and above as they earned industry-recognized credentials. An amazing 314 credentials were earned across CTE programs at each of our five high school campuses, including Certified Nurse Assisting, OSHA 10, BACE Biotechnology, Food Protection Manager, Certified Crime Scene Management, and much more. Earning an industry-recognized certification equips students with validated skills, giving them a distinct edge as they pursue post-secondary education or enter the workforce.
Post-Secondary Success
Scottsdale Unified School District’s 2024 Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduates are successfully transitioning into diverse post-secondary opportunities, including universities, colleges, trade schools, and direct entry into the workforce. The 310 graduates represent almost 77% of CTE students completing Level II programs in a related field of study or work. This strong placement highlights the effectiveness of CTE programs in equipping students with practical skills and relevant knowledge for future success. It underscores the importance of CTE in preparing a skilled local workforce, fostering economic growth, and providing students with multiple pathways to achieve their career aspirations, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Workforce Development Trends
As Arizona's dynamic workforce evolves and expands, exciting opportunities continue to grow for high school students preparing for future careers! As of April 2025, the state's non-farm employment has grown, reflecting a continuously expanding labor market. Key sectors like healthcare and construction are experiencing significant growth, actively creating new job opportunities. Arizona also continues to have a large presence in the aerospace and defense industry. This shift indicates a strong demand for skilled individuals in fields vital to Arizona's ongoing development. By aligning high school education with workforce training in fast-growing industries, we can ensure students are well-prepared for the high-demand careers of tomorrow—particularly in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging sectors (Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, 2025 Workforce Summit).
CTE - June 2025
It was another banner year for SUSD’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) programs!
- Increase in program offerings ✅
- Increase in students completing CTE programs ✅
- Increase in Technical Skills Assessments ✅
- Increase in Industry Credentials ✅
- Increase in Work-Based Learning Internships ✅
Other CTE data points worth celebrating this year:
Participation
2024-2025 CTE students participating in Level I and Level II programs at SUSD schools
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Internships across all five high school sites numbered 57! That’s more than double last year’s number of participants! A total of 42 were spread across multiple career pathways; 15 were Sports Medicine interns.
EVIT
Additional students attended CTE programs on the EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology) campus in Mesa.
- Arcadia – 108
- Chaparral – 52
- Saguaro – 78
- Scottsdale Online - 7
- Coronado – 71
- Desert Mountain – 50
2025 Grad Cohort CTE Distinction
This is a count of Seniors who completed programs and passed the Technical Skills Assessment for their subject area.
- Arcadia – 111
- Chaparral – 109
- Coronado – 27
- Desert Mountain – 132
- Saguaro – 77
- Scottsdale Online – 3
Technical Skills Assessment
At our SUSD campuses, 445 students took the Technical Skills assessments. Of that number, 412 passed - a 93% pass rate!
Industry Credentials Reporting Cycle
CTE Industry certifications increased for the ‘23-‘24 Cohort being closed out for reporting this month. SUSD can celebrate a 39% jump over the ‘22-‘23 Cohort! CTE grew from 161 students passing their industry credentials to 225!
Our deepest appreciation to our wonderful CTE campus staff for the work they do to support the career interests and studies of our students and also to the students themselves for looking down the road to see the possibilities ahead!
CTE - May 2025
Huge congratulations to Saguaro High School’s Trenton Ly, Derya Tuncay and Sienna Pohl for securing 3rdplace at this year's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference! It's their first year competing in FBLA, and they've already achieved such an impressive milestone in the field of Computer Game & Simulation Programming. They are now qualified to attend the National Conference this summer in Anaheim, California.
FBLA is an incredible platform that prepares students for successful careers in business and related fields. Its competitions cover more than 90 different business topics, from Accounting and Digital Photography to Financial Statement Analysis and Impromptu Speaking.
Congratulations to Iulia Musat!
We are thrilled to announce that Chaparral High School senior Iulia Musat has advanced to the semifinals of the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in Career and Technical Education (CTE)! This remarkable achievement showcases her dedication, hard work, and exceptional skills in the Finance Pathway. Iulia exemplifies the spirit of innovation and leadership that this program celebrates. We are so proud of her accomplishments and can't wait to see what she achieves as a Flinn Scholar!
Congratulations, Ira Parsons!
We are also excited to announce that Chaparral sophomore Ira Parsons has been accepted into the prestigious 2025 Cybersecurity Research Internship Program at ASU’s Center for Cybersecurity and Trusted Foundations! This opportunity is a testament to Ira's hard work, dedication, and passion for the field of Networking and Cybersecurity. This school year, he has been enrolled in Engineering Design II class taught by longtime SUSD educator Steve Geislinger.
As an intern, Ira will engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with graduate-student mentors, and develop invaluable skills that will pave the way for future success. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and can't wait to see the amazing contributions Ira will make during this internship. Great job, Ira!
🎉Congratulations to the Firebird Criminal Justice Program! 🎉
We are excited to share that the Criminal Justice Program at Chaparral High School has achieved an outstanding cumulative score of 94% on the Crime Scene Management certification exam, once again ranking us at the top program in the state for this certification! This remarkable accomplishment reflects the dedication and hard work of both teacher Tarnisha Tilson and her students.
Among the 26 students who took the exam, we are particularly proud to highlight that one student earned an impressive score of 99%! This success not only showcases their commitment to excellence in education but also prepares our students for future careers in law enforcement and forensic science. Congratulations to everyone involved!