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Manassas Park highlights growth in CTE, work-based learning and student-run projects
Summary
School board heard a presentation on the expansion of career and technical education (CTE) pathways, growth in work-based learning and partnerships, and student research showing demand for new trade courses.
Manassas Park City Schools told the school board on Wednesday that its career and technical education program has expanded course options, local employer partnerships and student work experiences, with students and staff presenting evidence that demand exists for additional trade pathways.
CTE leaders told the board the division now offers eight career clusters, employs 11 CTE teachers and serves roughly 2,200 students in CTE classes across grade levels, including 78 students in dual-enrollment CTE courses. "We are governed by our strategic plan," said one presenter, describing CTE work as aligned with the district's pillars to prepare students for the world of work.
The presentation laid out near-term growth plans including an EMT course to be taught in the training room at Manassas Park Fire and Rescue in partnership with SAGE Training; expanded credential options such as Microsoft Office or QuickBooks; and exploration of skilled trades pathways through dual-enrollment arrangements. "We will have our students working in our firehouse here in Manassas Park," a CTE presenter said of the EMT partnership.
Work-based learning offerings have also increased. Staff reported that internships, externships, paid and unpaid opportunities and a student-run help desk supporting roughly 2,000 devices are now part of the program. The board heard that partnerships with local employers and nonprofits — including Micron (which has recruited apprentices from the division's mechatronics program), Dreamin' Nova (cosmetology after-school programming) and the Jim Rowe Foundation (site visits to NOVA trade programs) — are helping fill training gaps.
Presenters highlighted a national Women in Roofing program in which 13 Manassas Park students completed a weeklong BUILD University academy, earned OSHA-10 certification and participated in hands-on roofing instruction. A speaker at the roofing site said the program gives young women both "knowledge" and hands-on practice and that women make up a small share of the roofing workforce: "women in roofing specifically only makes 2% of the roofing industry," she said.
Students presented original survey research used to prioritize potential new CTE courses. Camilla and Addison summarized the student survey of approximately 300 respondents: "The top 3 CTE courses that people are interested in is architects, construction management, and HVAC, as well as automotive," they said. Student team leader Kevin Munoz Mondragon told the board the survey was administered in English and Spanish and concluded that "the demand, in fact, is there" for additional pathways.
Board members praised the student work and the expansion of employer partnerships and said the division should continue to explore credentials and dual-enrollment options to meet regional workforce needs.
Board members asked clarifying questions about post-program placement data and how the division tracks completers; CTE staff said the division is working with parent liaisons to improve response rates to its Completer Survey so it can better document postsecondary outcomes.
The presentation concluded with an invitation for board members and community members to visit classes and partnerships currently operating in the division.
