Manassas Park schools expand CTE and work‑based learning; students push for more trades classes

Manassas Park City Schools officials and students presented an update on career and technical education (CTE) and work‑based learning at the May 20 governing‑body meeting, highlighting expanded credentials, dual‑enrollment opportunities and a new EMT pathway in partnership with Manassas Park Fire & Rescue.

Lisa Wolf, the STEM, CTE and gifted coordinator, told the governing body the division offers eight of the Commonwealth’s 17 recognized CTE clusters, provides 78 dual‑enrollment seats, and has increased credentialing so graduates leave high school with both diplomas and marketable certifications (examples cited: certified nursing assistant, CompTIA IT credentials, cybersecurity). Wolf said work‑based learning grew dramatically — the division offered 536 work‑based experiences this year — and emphasized efforts to retain and recruit teachers through wrap‑around supports.

Students presented survey results: more than 330 ninth‑ to eleventh‑graders were surveyed and the most popular potential trade‑related offerings were automotive technology, welding and HVAC. One student presenter noted only about 8% of students were engaged in the existing computer information systems program, while roughly 31% indicated interest in a public law and policy course.

Why it matters: The school division hopes to align CTE offerings with local workforce needs (an EMT pathway taught in partnership with Manassas Park Fire & Rescue was cited as a direct connection), broaden credential opportunities, and increase dual‑enrollment and apprenticeship pipelines so graduates can either enter the workforce with credentials or continue to higher education.

Council members commended the students’ presentations, asked about grade levels (Wolf said work‑based experiences can begin in freshman year with program‑specific age restrictions such as roofing requiring students to be 16) and raised questions about how many experiences meet graduation requirements. Wolf said some experiences count toward graduation and federal Perkins grant guidance frames CTE as grades 5–12 for funding purposes.

Representative quote: “We are increasing our credential offerings so our students leave high school with options — a diploma and certifications they can use to enter the workforce,” Lisa Wolf said.

Ending: Council thanked the students and staff, and several members encouraged the school division to continue seeking community partners and dual‑enrollment arrangements to expand trade pathways.