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Sequoia High showcases new marketing CTE program, industry partnerships and student certifications
Summary
Sequoia High School presenters described a new intro-to-marketing CTE strand that pairs industry-grade equipment with local business and college partnerships and is already increasing student certifications and engagement.
Sequoia High School leaders on Wednesday showcased an expanded career technical education (CTE) intro-to-marketing program that school staff say is boosting student engagement, participation in athletics and industry-ready certifications.
Associate Principal Jade Solis told the board she is "excited to share an update on Sequoia High School's CTE expansion by introducing the marketing sector this year," and said the program supports the district's vision that students graduate with both a diploma and a CTE certification. Solis said the site has issued seven certifications last year, has already awarded over a dozen this school year and estimates about 30 by year end.
Teacher Zamudio described hands-on equipment—screen printing, laser engraving and embroidery machines—obtained through partnerships with a local apparel business in Atwater and with Merced College. "If I didn't have Rodney, I don't think we'd have any shirts made," Zamudio said, crediting student Rodney Matthews for assembling machines and producing shirts used at school events. Solis said the class provides industry certifications such as Adobe Express, Google Digital Garage and OSHA 10, and that the district partnered with Merced College for additional digital-skills training.
School leaders emphasized increased student participation in after-school programs and athletics. Solis said the site regularly sees 15 to 16 students in the after-school asset program—up from 2 to 3 in prior years—and reported expanded offerings including volleyball, football, basketball, soccer and a recently launched bowling program. Solis noted Sequoia will host a multi-school football tournament Friday at Golden Valley's soccer stadium.
The presentation framed CTE as part of the district's college- and career-readiness work: Solis said the program gives ninth- and tenth-grade students head starts into in-demand roles such as digital marketing assistant and social media coordinator. A student participant demonstrated the classroom processes and described gaining hands-on machine and production experience.
Board members thanked staff for the presentation and asked how the school sustained higher participation and certification rates; Solis attributed the gains to post-COVID cohort dynamics, staff encouragement and a positive school environment. The board did not take action on the program; the item was informational.
