Merced Union HSD expands CTE pathways, aims to grow dual enrollment and internships

The Merced Union High School District told trustees on Aug. 28 that it is broadening career and technical education (CTE) offerings with an emphasis on dual enrollment, industry-aligned internships and simulated work-based learning.

Tiffany Gong, the district's K–12 pathway coordinator, said the district now offers 38 pathways across 14 industry sectors, 139 course offerings and 671 CTE sections. She reported 133 CTE teachers across sites, including 32 who currently serve as Merced College adjunct staff; six additional faculty were pending adjunct approval at the time of the presentation.

Gong emphasized K14 alignment practices: Merced College involvement at industry collaborations, pathway counselors on campuses, and a pilot to enroll eighth graders in the California Community College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) to strengthen career awareness. She described planned expansions for spring 2026 that could add dual-enrollment courses across business, engineering and information technology, contingent on adjunct approvals.

Work-based learning examples included a sports marketing internship with Bryant Orthopedic, a six-week hospitality internship at 510 Beastro that could lead to Saturday employment, and a University of the Pacific residential summer institute that gave a handful of students hands-on lab experience. Gong said the district is piloting a career passport tied to the state's master plan for career education and plans to scale simulated work-based experiences.

Trustees asked about inclusion of all campuses and SRO support for public safety pathways; Gong said many sites participate and that pathway staffing and SRO coverage vary by site. No district action was required at the presentation.

The district recommended businesses interested in internships contact the pathway coordinator to establish partnerships.