Cascade school board hears update on expanding CTE programs

LEAVENWORTH — The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Cascade School District (CSD) continues to expand, district staff told the Cascade School Board on March 9, highlighting new certifications, industry partnerships and growing opportunities for students.

“We're really proud of what we can really introduce our kids to before they go out in the real world,” said CTE District Director Kirk Sunistch.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) works with students to offer courses that specialize in skilled trades, applied sciences, modern technologies, and career preparation. It also partners with local businesses to provide work experience and industry-certification opportunities.

Sunistch said the district looks at regional employment data, such as the most in demand occupations, certifications and skills, to help shape its curriculum. In addition to having a range of certification opportunities, the high school has 165 total college credits available to earn, according to Sunitsch.

“I was able to talk to a cybersecurity professor, and they told me that I would be able to skip a lot of the intro-based classes and go on to the higher level classes, and then also with my College in the High School [credits], I'd probably be able to skip a year,” said CHS Senior Nevada Allen, adding that she would be earning a cybersecurity certification this semester.

Two additional students spoke to the board about the fire science pathway, in which students can earn college credits and Firefighter I and Wildland Red Card certificates. The students said the courses laid a pathway for more opportunities, resources and connections in the field. Additionally, the certifications enabled them to apply for firefighting jobs with the U.S. Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources

This year, the CTE program expanded significantly with the addition of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, one of the top 10 in-demand occupations for the county and state. The district received a $71,000 grant to jumpstart the program, which launched this semester. The program partners with Cascade Medical Center and Mountain Meadows Senior Living.

“Right now, I'm certified in CPR, AED and basic life saving (BLS). In June, I'm going to get my CNA license so I can go work in a nursing home, and we have the opportunity to get our nurse delegation, so when we go to Mountain Meadows, we can help pass out medication,” CHS Junior Sonia Martinez told the board.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media