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Somersworth students, instructors highlight Career & Technical Education opportunities
Summary
Students and instructors presented the district Career Technical Center (CTE) programs at the May 13 Somersworth School Board meeting, describing program offerings, industry certifications, and student-run enterprises and noting high participation rates among upperclassmen.
Students and instructors from the Somersworth Career Technical Center presented program highlights to the Somersworth School Board on May 13, describing hands-on courses, industry certifications and student-run businesses that leaders said prepare students for postsecondary education and the workforce.
Crystal Perez, a senior at Somersworth High School, described the two-year IBEAM (Innovations in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing) program and said it “has provided me with a strong foundation” for college and career steps. Desi Brown, IBEAM instructor, walked the board through the center’s program mix, from medical assisting and automotive to culinary and pre-engineering, and noted industry-recognized certifications available to students.
Board members were told that, according to program staff, roughly 62% of tenth- through 12th-graders participate in CTE programs and that about half of recent graduates were CTE completers. Presenters highlighted specific projects and outcomes: a cross-program go-kart design-and-drive elective with 54 student participants and three go-karts; culinary students operating Mulligan’s Grill and a kitchen with industry equipment; and medical assisting students taking a certification exam, with a majority passing.
Desi Brown described program features and work-based learning: “These are hands-on programs that simulate a workplace environment,” she said, noting student enterprises such as the Topper Shop (school store) run by IBEAM students. The board heard that CTE programs use nationally recognized curricula or certifications such as Project Lead The Way (pre-engineering) and ASE (automotive) and that students practice soft skills—resumes, mock interviews and networking events with local businesses.
The presentation included plans for a Chamber of Commerce networking event on May 21, where students will present program slides and practice professional skills. Board members praised the presentation and asked that the district continue promoting postsecondary and industry partnerships.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; the item was informational and will inform ongoing program and budget discussions.
