Looking For Skills in High-Demand Careers? Check Out CTEC.

There’s still time for students interested in a different kind of education to enroll at CTEC — Fresno’s newest high school.

What Is CTEC?

At the Career Technical Education Charter High School, students have the opportunity to study not only subjects like math, English, and science, but also technical courses such as advanced manufacturing and commercial construction.
Jim Yovino, the superintendent of Fresno County Schools, said students will develop skills and earn certifications. Upon graduation, they may immediately pursue a career or continue their education and skill development at the post-secondary level.
Answers to many questions that parents and students might have about CTEC can be found at this link.

Dual Enrollment

Yovino said that CTEC is part of a dual enrollment program with Fresno City College. The program gives students the opportunity to graduate from high school with a diploma and a two-year college degree.

“We haven’t really established that exact cutoff, but it is important if parents are thinking about enrolling their kid to get them in now so they won’t be behind.” — Jim Yovino, Superintendent of Fresno County Schools

Seeking More Female Students

Yovino said he wants to add more students to the first class, which is composed solely of freshmen, at the state-of-the-art facility.
The plan is to enroll 100 freshmen every year until CTEC reaches its capacity of 400.
Yovino said the enrollment plan was developed so that students can “can complete their four-year high school degree and their two-year college degree all at the same time.”
So far, 80 students are enrolled in the school, which is at 1320 N. Mariposa St., near San Joaquin Memorial High School.
“We are very proud of the fact that we’ve got 80 kids right now and we know we will grow some more in the next couple of weeks now that the school is actually opening,” Yovino said.
“I encourage parents and students to come visit the school and see what it really looks like. Once they come and they see what’s actually going on, they are going to be convinced this is the place for them.”
Yovino said he is looking for more girls to enroll. Right now, there are 20 female students.
Because CTEC is a countywide charter school, students living in Fresno County and bordering counties are eligible to attend.
“We haven’t really established that exact cutoff, but it is important if parents are thinking about enrolling their kid to get them in now so they won’t be behind,” Yovino said.

How CTEC Came To Be

Yovino said one of the reasons for creating CTEC was to give students who prefer a career in technical fields like welding, engineering, architecture, and construction a clear path to take.

“Most of our kids don’t have any idea what an engineer does. They don’t really know what an architect is or even a builder,” Yovino said. “We just want to give them opportunities so they can make choices.”
Yovino said construction and manufacturing businesses in the community also wanted a school that would equip students with skills to start work immediately after graduating.  Those industries have worker shortages, he said.
“This school will be the pipeline for us and everyone in manufacturing and construction. It’s a dream come true for the entire community,” said Mike Betts, CEO of Betts Spring Manufacturing, at the school’s groundbreaking last October.

Community Service Is Emphasized

Another aspect of CTEC is community service — especially in nearby neighborhoods.
“We want our kids to be good human beings,” Yovino said. “We want to teach them that it is important to give back.”