Expansion of Career Technical Education in Visalia Unified now caters to middle schools
The Visalia Unified School District (VUSD) is broadening its Career Technical Education (CTE) program to include middle school students, as part of its 2025-2026 initiatives aimed at fostering college and career readiness and workforce skills development.
This expansion sees the district collaborating with partners such as Fresno State Visalia Campus, where middle school students participate in college and career readiness events, providing early exposure to career paths and higher education opportunities.
The middle school CTE program in Visalia will integrate courses tailored for this age group, building foundational skills related to various industries. Students will have the opportunity to explore at least three different industry sectors each semester, including HVAC, home maintenance, welding, robotics, and more.
One of the key features of the program is the hands-on learning experience. Middle school students will work with four-stroke engines, disassembling them, and participate in a competition to grow the most, best plants. They will also engage with industry professionals, learning about their education, career paths, and how they got a foot in the door.
Amy Frame, the CTE Middle School Program Manager, emphasises that students will be actively involved as they learn about the pathways offered in high school. The goal is to open their eyes to various career opportunities earlier, helping them make informed decisions about their academic and career futures.
Superintendent Kirk Shrum believes that starting the process sooner, such as in middle school, can help students find their interests earlier and avoid making late decisions. He expects word of the program to spread, predicting that in a year or so, every middle school student may want to take the opportunity.
The ultimate goal of offering the CTE program to middle school students is to prepare them for success as soon as possible. By developing technical skills alongside academic knowledge relevant to career pathways, students will be better equipped to navigate their future careers.
For detailed course listings or program schedules, direct contact with Visalia Unified School District's Career Technical Education office or review of the district’s official program documentation would provide precise and updated information.
[1] Visalia Unified School District (2022). Career Technical Education. Retrieved from https://www.vusd.org/Page/1147 [5] Visalia Unified School District (2022). Career Technical Education. Retrieved from https://www.vusd.org/Page/1147
- The Visalia Unified School District's expansion of its Career Technical Education program to middle school aims to foster personal growth and learning through hands-on experiences, preparing students for college, careers, and self-development.
- The integrated courses in the middle school CTE program emphasize exploration and learning across different industry sectors, such as HVAC, home maintenance, welding, robotics, and more, promoting early exposure to various career paths and opportunities for growth.
