Chandler Unified presents K–12 CTE pathway and launches two-year semiconductor program in partnership with University of Arizona

Chandler Unified School District officials on Monday described an expanding K–12 career and technical education pathway and outlined plans for a new two-year semiconductor program at Hamilton High School developed with the University of Arizona.

Dr. Jessica Edgar, director of elementary for Chandler Unified School District, opened the study-session presentation and said the district has been building a K–12 CTE pathway since 2019 and is piloting career-literacy standards in elementary and junior-high sites. “CTE is more than just a class. We are actually a program of study,” Lindsay Duran, CTE director, said during the presentation.

The district currently lists 21 CTE programs across its high schools and plans to add semiconductor technologies next year. Jan (Janet) Harkoff, coordinator of emerging technologies, described work that began in late 2023 to design a semiconductor curriculum and to form an industry advisory. “Everything that we're doing is Vanguard. It is brand new,” Harkoff said, noting partnerships with the University of Arizona, the Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing and more than 25 industry partners, including local suppliers and firms such as Intel, NXP and Microchip.

Why it matters: presenters said the semiconductor program is intended to create a local pipeline to high-tech jobs and to give students industry-recognized skills and credentials. The district has emphasized hands-on instruction, industry-standard equipment, and co-curricular student organizations such as DECA, HOSA, FFA and SkillsUSA as part of the pathway.

Key program details presented - Pathway and pilots: district staff described a K–12 continuum of career awareness (K–5), career exploration (6–8) and CTE professional skills and technical programs (9–12). This year the district said it has three elementary schools and one junior high piloting career-literacy standards; staff said they are looking at possibly 10 elementary schools next year if interest rises. - Programs and credentials: Chandler Unified currently reports 21 CTE programs and that each offers industry credentials. Staff said the district paid for credentials last year and recorded 3,419 industry credentials across its CTE programs in the previous year; credential costs can range from about $25 to roughly $2,300 per student, according to the presentation. - Semiconductor program structure: the district described the semiconductor sequence as a two-year program with a recommended third-year internship/capstone opportunity. Hamilton High School will house the initial program; staff said the program will be capped at 30 students in its first year. - Curriculum and partnerships: the district has an MOU with the University of Arizona and is working with UArizona’s Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing to develop online and interactive curriculum modules, plus hands-on lab experiences. Staff said they used Austin Community College’s STARS technician program as a framework and adapted it for high school students. - Approvals and funding pathways: Harkoff said the district completed a Local Occupational Program (LOP) filing for EVIT and state approval, and staff described ongoing conversations with EVIT under the district’s intergovernmental agreement. Funding sources cited included federal Perkins funds, state CTE funding, CTED/EVIT funding and a governor’s incentive grant that staff said will expire at the end of the year.

Board questions and next steps Board members asked about internships, selection and retention. Lindsay Duran said the district added a new course, MITE (mentorship, internship and careers), to help prepare students for internships; Patrick Brown, the district’s workforce development coordinator, will present on internships in April. Duran said some internships are paid and some are unpaid, and that the district is working with business partners to expand paid opportunities.

On selection and capacity, staff said Hamilton completed its registration process and the initial semiconductor cohort will be capped at 30 students. The district expects the Hamilton instructor to split time between the semiconductor and an automation/robotics engineering program; an industry hire was reported to be in process and moving through HR.

Staff also flagged retention rules linked to external funding: Duran said EVIT requires at least a 30% year-over-year retention rate for some CTED funding and that failing to meet that requirement could trigger an improvement plan.

Voices from students and industry Several students and visiting partners attended or provided testimony during the presentation. One student said, “Well, it feels great to know that I can earn industry certifications, so I can go towards a tier 1 technician program.” Harkoff described employer enthusiasm and regular advisory meetings with firms across the Greater Chandler area.

What the district will do next Staff said they will finalize curriculum with University of Arizona partners, continue to recruit industry advisory members, complete teaching hires and return to the board with internship planning (Patrick Brown) in April and with curriculum- and scheduling work in summer planning sessions. The district also plans to continue outreach—summer camps and school events—to build student interest and industry connections.

Sources: presentation by Dr. Jessica Edgar, Lindsay Duran and Jan Harkoff to the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board; student remarks and board Q&A during the Oct. 27 study session.