CTE courses impacting students in The Woodlands community

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides students with an exciting, career-oriented program of study that integrates academic skills into real world experiences. CTE courses allow students to take classes that specialize in trade, technologies, applied science and career preparation.

Conroe ISD offers sixteen programs of study including Business Management, Engineering, Marketing, Health Science, Information Technology, and design courses specializing in Graphic Design, Commercial Photography, and Fashion. Within these classes, students are given the opportunity to obtain certifications in Microsoft Office, OSHA, Servsafe, Small Business, Adobe, Cisco Networking, and CPR.

Students in the district enjoy having the chance to explore a variety of topics that interest them before entering college. CTE courses also encourage students to be more involved their High School community by offering clubs that align with their courses.

Shereen Enan, a student at The Woodlands High School, states, “ being involved in DECA has allowed [her] to develop skills that prepared [her] for life outside of high school.” DECA is a business club that is offered at The Woodlands High School, The Woodlands College Park, and Caney Creek High School. This is an international organization which helps prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in various business sectors such as marketing, finance, hospitality, and tourism.

Enan states that, “DECA encourages youth to take charge and set goals for the future, but also promotes indispensable characteristics such as community outreach.” The Woodlands High School DECA conducted “Highlanders Helping after Harvey,” a large community service campaign that aided in the recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. The “Highlanders Helping after Harvey” campaign collected 80 truck loads and four buses full of clothes, bedding and necessities, all of which were donated to The Woodlands Church and dispersed throughout South Texas.

DECA and other CTE organizations encourage students to take part in their community, take charge of their future and learn the change they are capable of creating if they put their minds to it.

CTE organizations also provides students with an invaluable set of 21st century skills such as critical thinking, research, creative problem solving, and self discipline. Enan states, “ As my high school career comes to a close, I am able to look back at all the benefits and opportunities that CTE courses and organizations have provided me. I cannot even begin to comprehend how much DECA has allowed me to grow and become the successful “almost” high school graduate I am today. I encourage all high school students to become involved in a CTE organization and take as many CTE courses as possible.”