Eunice district outlines new CTE pathway including nursing certifications and dual-credit options

District staff told the board they plan to expand career and technical education by partnering with neighboring districts and New Mexico Junior College to offer industry-relevant pathways and certifications.

A staff presenter described a rollout in which partner districts will host programs such as welding, culinary and oil and gas, while Eunice will offer FFA, a digital-technology pathway and a new nursing pathway. "In Eunice, we are going to offer students from JOW, juniors and seniors, FFA, and we are rolling out a digital technology pathway. And we are going to roll out a nursing pathway," the presenter said. The presenter added that seniors in the nursing pathway may have opportunities to earn CMA certification and access phlebotomy and EKG testing opportunities.

Staff said they are working with NMJC to expand dual-credit options, to enable juniors and seniors to earn college credit and to shorten time-to-completion for certifications or degrees at the junior college. The district also described workforce-development connections, two-week lease-operator training for oil-and-gas students in partner districts, and planned mock interviews with industry partners.

Why it matters: The programs aim to provide seniors with industry certifications that can lead directly to employment or stackable credentials for continued education. Board members thanked staff; the presentation did not require a board vote but staff will continue to refine program logistics and report back.

Provenance: CTE program presentation and discussion (SEG 747–SEG 814; additional commentary SEG 861–SEG 909).