CTE 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.

This groundbreaking addition transforms the traditional Sports Medicine pathway into a launchpad for real-world success. By offering the nationally recognized NASM-CPT certification, SUSD is giving students a powerful head start in the booming fitness and wellness industry, equipping them to graduate not only with a diploma, but with a respected professional credential that opens doors in gyms, health clubs, and beyond.

Key Highlights of the Expansion:

• Industry Recognition: The NASM-CPT is NCCA-accredited and highly sought after in the fitness industry.
• Hands-On Training: Students will move beyond basic anatomy to master human movement science, fitness assessments, and program design.
• Cost Savings: While professional NASM courses can cost upwards of $1,000, students in the CTE program receive the curriculum and exam preparation at no cost. 
• Career Readiness: Graduates can enter the workforce immediately as certified personal trainers while pursuing further degrees in physical therapy, kinesiology, or athletic training.

Both Chaparral and Desert Mountain have long-standing reputations for robust Sports Medicine programs, often highlighted by their partnerships with organizations like Banner Health. The inclusion of NASM marks a shift toward more specialized, "job-ready" outcomes.

The curriculum will be delivered through a hybrid model, utilizing NASM’s digital learning platform alongside in-person lab hours where students practice wrapping, taping, and corrective exercise techniques.

The Spring 2026 launch serves as a pilot that will eventually expand to other SUSD campuses, including Saguaro, Arcadia, and Coronado.

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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:

• Structural Engineering
• Building Trades
• Construction Management
• Workforce Development and Outreach

Students engaged in a high-level Q&A session, asking pointed questions about the evolving landscape of the modern job market.

Hands-On Experience

The event wasn’t just about listening, it was about doing. Students stepped away from the podiums to work interactively with professional-grade tools and materials. Under the guidance of industry pros, they experienced the tactile reality of the building process, connecting their classroom technical knowledge with real-world professional application.

By the end of the day, the message was clear: the construction industry is no longer just about labor; it’s a high-tech, high-reward field looking for the bright minds currently sitting in SUSD classrooms.

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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.

A standout feature of the program is its partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), which gives students the opportunity to earn university credit for CIS105 (Computer Applications and Information Technology), providing these high achievers with a significant head start on their college careers.

Official FBLA Region 2 Results

The Road to State and Nationals

Following this successful regional showing, these top-performing students will move on to the Arizona FBLA State Leadership Conference, held this April in Tucson, AZ.

Success at the state level will pave the way for the ultimate challenge: the FBLA National Leadership Conference. This year, the national competition will bring together the best young business minds from across the country in Anaheim, California. With their strong foundation in Business Operations and their recent regional sweep, Chaparral's competitors are well-positioned to make a mark on the national stage.

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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.

This impressive debut underscores the hard work and commitment of Coronado’s Sports Medicine program. The HOSA Regional Conferences serve as a qualifying ground for thousands of students across Arizona aspiring to enter the medical field. Rodriguez and Valenzuela’s fourth-place finish proves they are among the region’s top contenders.

The Coronado duo will now begin intensive preparations to represent their school at the Arizona HOSA State Leadership Conference, taking place this April in Tucson, AZ. A strong performance at the state level could earn them the opportunity to compete at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, IN.

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February is Career and Technical Education Month, and we were proud to celebrate the incredible impact of CTE in Scottsdale Unified School District at Tuesday night’s Governing Board meeting.

Several outstanding CTE teachers were recognized for their unwavering commitment to student success, innovation in the classroom, and preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond graduation.

Earlier that same evening, the Scottsdale City Council and Mayor Lisa Borowsky officially proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month in the City of Scottsdale, further highlighting the importance of these programs in our community!

#BecauseKids #OurFocusTheirFuture #ChooseSUSD #SUSDCelebrates

Chaparral High School’s Robotics and Engineering students shifted into the fast lane on Saturday, January 17, 2026, as they took part in the high-octane Gearing Toward the Future STEM Fest at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Guided by teacher and advisor Steve Geislinger, students explored the dynamic intersection of advanced technology, engineering, and automotive innovation.

The group proudly represented SUSD by hosting a booth that showcased the cutting-edge projects emerging from Chaparral’s Robotics and Engineering programs. Throughout the day, students shared their passion for design, mechanics, and problem-solving with thousands of auction attendees and families, sparking curiosity and conversation around the future of STEM education. 

The event, presented by Honeywell, also spotlighted the powerful partnership with the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), demonstrating how collaborative educational pathways are fueling the next generation of technical talent. Surrounded by more than 2,000 world-class collector cars, students went beyond admiring polished exteriors, diving deep into the engineering that powers performance through live demonstrations and interactive displays.

From breaking down the engineering behind the Barrett-Jackson Cup to meaningful conversations with industry mentors, the day brought innovation to life and connected classroom learning to real-world application.

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Chaparral High School’s Culinary Arts kitchen sizzled on January 20 when celebrity chef and Scottsdale staple Mark Tarbell swapped fine-dining flair for student aprons. Orchestrated by Chaparral Teacher and Chef Jack Trier, the visit brought a dose of real-world culinary swagger straight into the classroom, and Tarbell didn’t waste a second getting students to work.

Tarbell zeroed in on knife skills, guiding students through clean julienne techniques while reinforcing the golden rules of kitchen safety and mise en place. The lesson was fast-paced, hands-on, and fully aligned with Arizona’s state technical standards, the kind of training that mirrors life behind the line.

Then came the insider intel. Moving beyond the cutting board, Tarbell dished out career advice and industry truths, showing how math quietly runs the kitchen, from scaling recipes and tracking food costs to calculating yield and reducing waste. He also made one thing clear: the focus, grit, and professionalism students build in high school kitchens are exactly what top restaurants are hungry for.

Thanks to Chef Trier’s initiative, Chaparral students didn’t just sharpen their knives, they sharpened their vision for what’s next. It was a lesson served hot, memorable, and packed with real-world flavor.

The Culinary Arts program is open to all SUSD students and is completed in one year, during a two hour block course.

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For Saguaro High School Biotechnology students, a peek into the future of medicine meant stepping into a world where science moves at the speed of innovation. Their recent visit to the ASU Biodesign Institute showed them just how fast ideas can go from lab bench to lifesaving impact. Famous for its rapid response innovation, the Institute became a hero during the COVID-19 pandemic, running a massive clinical testing lab that processed tens of thousands of samples daily to keep Arizona safe.

Under the guidance of Ms. Elizabeth Bond, students explored the very labs where scientists tackled some of the world’s toughest biological challenges. From high-tech instruments to collaborative research spaces, they saw firsthand how cutting-edge science comes together and realized that solving big problems takes both brains and teamwork.

The visit wasn’t just a history lesson in pandemic response; it was a roadmap to their own futures. Students mingled with researchers and university students, uncovering exciting pathways in genomics, neurotherapeutics, and bioengineering. By stepping out of the high school lab and into a world-class research hub, these aspiring scientists could imagine themselves at the forefront of biomedical innovation, from ASU classrooms to careers changing the world.

Saguaro’s Biotechnology program is open to all SUSD students. This one-year, two-hour block course packs in real lab experience and a head start on exploring life-changing careers in STEM.

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Approximately 30 Saguaro High School students and staff recently gathered in the Community Room on Monday, December 8th, for an exciting Lunch and Learn event focused on career opportunities in Construction Management.

This professional, high-energy session offered students an engaging look at an industry that spans far beyond traditional trades and Project Management. We were thrilled to host industry guests Dominic Berg (Saguaro Alumni and Chase Building Team employee) and Andy Fillion (McCarthy Builders), who shared their unique perspectives on building a successful career in construction.

Great news for future builders! Students will have the opportunity to register for a fantastic two-year program, complete with an internship option, beginning in August 2026.

Missed the first session? It's not too late to get in on the action! Students will have another chance to learn more at the second Lunch and Learn event on January 16th in the Saguaro High School Community Room.

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The "SRYP: Leaders in the Making" event, hosted by The University of Arizona Scottsdale Center for the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce , was a career networking and mentorship program for students from SUSD. Held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, the event's primary goal was to connect students with young professionals to offer a real look at different careers. The morning began with a welcome and introductions from Stephanie Viboch, followed by Steven Kupcho presenting the SRYP Mission: "To educate, elevate, and collaborate with young professionals by providing a network where individuals can come together to support their career aspirations and the community. The goal of Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals (SRYP) is to build a link between this demographic and the business and community leaders of Scottsdale." This was followed by short speeches from Eric Luoma who serves on the Chamber's Board of Directors, SUSD Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel, and Host Executive Director Sarah Fleury of the University of Arizona.

Following the opening remarks, the event shifted into a series of structured networking sessions. Students were divided into groups, rotating through tables hosted by young professionals representing various career fields. Lunch was sponsored and introduced by Chris Gammel of Chick-fil-A’s Raintree location. A fifth and final 20-minute rotation took place after lunch. The day concluded with a final gathering and closing remarks. 

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The DECA District Competitions were officially unlocked, and our future leaders absolutely crushed it! This is the first high-stakes opportunity for students to test their mettle against Arizona's best in Marketing, Finance, Hospitality, and Management.

SUSD high schools proudly sent over 150 powerhouse students, who secured an incredible haul of 50+ medals for first through third place! They represented themselves, their schools, and SUSD with professionalism, pride, and a whole lot of fun. They didn't just compete; they networked with like-minded peers and industry professionals, gaining invaluable, real-world experience.

Next stop? The State Conference this spring at the Arizona Grand Hotel and Spa! Students will be battling for a coveted spot at the ultimate showdown: the International Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this April. Get ready for some serious business action!

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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.

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Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky officially proclaimed November as "DECA Month" in the city during a recent City Council meeting. The proclamation recognizes the hard work and excellence of local DECA students and educators.

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. 

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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.

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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.

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