CTE Blog

Huge congratulations to Saguaro High School’s Trenton Ly, Derya Tuncay and Sienna Pohl for securing 3^rdplace 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!

Learn More at the Source 

Culinary Spotlight!

Chef Jack Trier joined SUSD in 2018 as Chaparral High School’s Culinary Arts instructor.  Chef Trier runs his Signature program on a block schedule with each class running over two periods a day.  This has increased the quality of the lab time in the kitchen.  Chef Trier also teaches in Scottsdale Community College’s Culinary program and provides dual enrollment credit to his high school students.

This year, Chef Trier has hosted three district events related to SUSD’s Strategic Plan’s Goal 4, “Community Engagement and Partnership,” to promote and improve our CTE programs.  These events provided work-based learning for his students. The events were well-executed … and delicious. With Chef Trier’s dedication to excellence, CTE is installing a fully furnished bistro café, complete with a new freezer and walk-in refrigerator, a new barista machine for hot beverages, and upgraded instructional lab equipment. His students will be hosting a spring CTE event to show off the new café.

CTE is vital for students to explore the world of work and prepare for their post-secondary plans, be it college, apprenticeship, or direct entry to the workforce.  CTE helps students gain employment. What students learn in CTE will always be relevant, regardless of career path. Plan now for your child to participate in one of our SUSD CTE programs.

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CTE students in the Introduction to Criminal Justice course had the incredible opportunity to participate in Grand Canyon University’s Forensic Science Day recently. This event provided hands-on experiences in criminal investigation techniques, tours of GCU’s cutting-edge forensic facilities, and meaningful interactions with forensic science faculty and students.

Event Highlights

• Cadaver Lab – A standout experience for many students was the cadaver lab tour, which offered a deeper understanding of human anatomy and forensic pathology. Medical examiners and forensic pathologists rely on cadaver studies to determine cause of death, analyze injuries, and reconstruct crime scenes. Learning about decomposition firsthand enhances students’ grasp of forensic autopsy procedures, an essential aspect of criminal investigations.
• Cyber Security of Excellence – Students explored cybercrime investigations, utilizing Wireshark to demonstrate email hacking techniques and learning lock-picking methods. In today’s digital age, cyber threats such as identity theft, hacking, and digital forensics are integral to criminal investigations. This session emphasized the intersection of cybersecurity and criminal justice, showing how law enforcement agencies combat cybercrime.
• Blood Analysis Lab – Students participated in forensic blood testing using the Kastle-Meyer test for blood, a fundamental procedure in crime scene investigations. Detecting and analyzing biological evidence is a crucial part of forensic science, assisting in criminal cases by confirming the presence of blood at a crime scene.

A Valuable Work-Based Learning Experience
This event was yet another successful career exploration opportunity for Chaparral High School Criminal Justice students. Experiences like these play a pivotal role in shaping the future of CTE students, offering real-world exposure through laboratories, professional observations, and industry networking.

As an educator, Ms. Tilson’s dedication to providing her students with engaging field trips, hands-on learning, and meaningful experiences has not gone unnoticed.  Ms. Tilson was received with a Challenge coin at the February SUSD Governing Board Meeting. A huge thank you to her, the Chaparral administration team, the Career and Technical Education team, parents, and students for making this day a success.

Other CTE Month Challenge Coin Recognitions

Shelley Alfieri-Brown, Arcadia High School’s Engineering and Coding teacher, was also among the dedicated SUSD CTE educators recognized last month. Shelley joined SUSD two years ago and has taken her two programs to new heights.  She has attended as many student CTSO events as possible and has chaperoned a group of students to every “Girls Get IT” event in the last two years.  She has raised the bar for student expectations and sets a great example as a role model for all things possible for her students.  Her high standards and tireless commitment deserve a Challenge Coin.  Thank you, Shelley!

Chaparral High School’s Mason Renfer was recently spotlighted for his high-performing Finance program. SUSD is one of a handful of districts in Arizona that offers a CTE Finance pathway. Learning about personal finance and the principles of commerce are important to all citizens. It also helps students achieve the Arizona Seal of Personal Finance which is affixed to their diploma. Mr. Renfer recently earned the NGPF Distinguished Educator Award. This is a lifetime award that educators earn by passing six Next Gen Personal Finance Certification Courses in multiple finance topics. 

Next … Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Celebrations!

CTE students performed very well at Future Business Leaders of America’s (FBLA) AZ Regionals competition held on January 22nd. Students from Arcadia, Chaparral and Saguaro High schools competed in categories ranging from accounting to supply-chain. SUSD had FIVE 3^rd places, TWO 2^nd places, and FOUR 1^st place winners!

Richard Norris, Desert Mountain High School DECA Advisor, has continued the legacy of a top, award-winning Marketing program.  Mr. Norris has chaperoned and led several dozen students to international competitions over the last four years since joining SUSD’s CTE program.  This year, his team won SIX 3rd places, TWO 2^nd places, and SIX 1^st place performance awards at the AZ DECA Districts event.  DM also won more than 20 awards in the written exams. 

With much appreciation, a Challenge Coin goes to each FBLA and DECA teacher who oversaw these CTSO events and prepared their students to compete:

• Shelley Alfieri-Brown, Arcadia
• Dave White, Arcadia
• Mason Renfer, Chaparral
• Richard Norris, Desert Mountain
• Matt Bohnert, Saguaro
• Anthony Vogel, former Chaparral CTE Finance teacher and current CTE central office Teacher-on-Assignment overseeing curriculum and staff development

Learn More at the Source

CTE is good for students, good for businesses and good for communities! 

CTE is the answer to the nation’s projected deficit of 6 million skilled workers through 2032.¹ Approximately 7.8 million high school students and 3.3 million college and adult students participate in Career and Technical Education (CTE), learning skills in the classroom and on the job.²   CTE students earn industry certifications and licenses, postsecondary certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and higher. CTE is delivered at all five of SUSD’s comprehensive high schools and EVIT – the Career and Technical Education District for the East Valley.  

CTE high school students are college- and career ready:  96% graduate from high school and most enroll directly into college.³   Associate degrees in CTE fields can pay up to $2.8 million in lifetime earnings ‒ and pay more than bachelor’s degrees in other fields ‒ while limiting student debt.⁴ 

By 2031 in Arizona, 36% of jobs will require education beyond high school but less than a bachelor’s degree. CTE programs prepare students for these jobs in key Arizona industries, such as manufacturing, bioscience, health care, business, financial services, film and digital media. 

More investment is needed to scale CTE programs across Arizona to ensure that all learners have access to high-quality CTE programs in high-skill, high-wage and in-demand career fields.  SUSD specifically could use more employer partnerships to provide internship and work-based learning opportunities to the 2,400+ CTE students in our 18 different CTE pathways.  If you can help support CTE with a partnership, please reach out via this link. 

Our current list of programs is housed here.  In 2025-26, we will be adding Digital Photography and Business Management at select sites. Many of our programs offer dual enrollment credit (i.e., high school and college credits) and all programs offer leadership events for workforce skill development.  Last month alone, SUSD had 11 students place in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) competitions and 15 place in DECAcompetitions.  More than 20 students placed in Technical Theater competitions.  The list will continue to grow as spring conferences take place. 

Last year, more than 250 SUSD CTE students earned industry certifications and over 650 students will be program completers this school year. 

For more information about enrolling in CTE, please contact the guidance team at your local SUSD school or any CTE teacher listed on the school’s website directory.  If you are a CTE student and wish to apply to the internship programs, please start here and see your guidance counselor. 

 References: 

¹ Lightcast. (2024). The rising storm: Building a future-ready workforce to withstand the looming labor shortage.   

² Perkins Collaborative Resource Network, Perkins Data Explorer, customized Consolidated Annual Report data, 2022-23. 

³ Perkins Collaborative Resource Network, Perkins Data Explorer, customized Consolidated Annual Report data, 2021-22; U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Consolidated State Performance Report, 2010-11 through 2017-18; U.S. Department of Education, NCES, HSLS:09, Base-year, 2013 Update, High School Transcript, and Second Follow-Up. 

⁴ Carnevale, A. P., Cheah, B., & Wenzinger, E. (2021). The college payoff: More education doesn’t always mean more earnings. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce; College Board, Annual Survey of Colleges; NCES, IPEDS Fall 2021 Enrollment data and IPEDS 2022 Institutional Characteristics data. 

 

Scottsdale Unified School District prepares students for bright futures in a variety of ways.  Our Career and Technical Education program plays a major role in that, offering coursework in 17 different career pathways, as well as internships with local business community partners, in the following areas:

• Biotechnology
• Business Operations
• Coding & Software Development
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary
• Digital Publishing
• Engineering & Design
• Film & TV Production
• Finance
• Graphic Design
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Marketing
• Music & Audio Production
• Networking & Cybersecurity
• Nursing
• Sports Medicine
• Technical Theatre

Mason Renfer teaches the Finance track at Chaparral High School and was recently highlighted in Personal Finance Lab’s Teacher Highlight.  Think the world of finance is not relevant to high school students?  It most definitely is!  Read why here!

Top Chaparral CTE Student Nominated for National Recognition

Right before winter break, we learned that Chaparral High School’s Iulia Musat is one of five students nominated by the Office of the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction for a 2024-2025 U.S. Presidential Scholarship in Career and Technical Education!  Candidates who selected based on evidence of academic rigor, technical competence, professional employability skills, and ingenuity and creativity.

As a semifinalist nominee, Iulia will be invited to apply for the National Review by the Commission on Presidential Scholars. Twenty outstanding U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education students from around the United States will be announced in May. 

Learn More at the Source