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Modesto City Schools touts $6M+ in grants, expanding CTE pathways and paid internships
Summary
District CTE leaders reported enrollment growth (about 9,462 students accessing CTE), more than $6 million in recent grants plus a $33.5 million Golden State Pathways award, expansion of paid internships and new pathway development including EMT and physician‑pipeline planning.
Modesto City Schools on Nov. 17 presented expanded career and technical education programming that district leaders say is increasing college‑and‑career readiness for students across the district.
"We currently have about 9,462 students accessing CTE programs and classes," Rachel Barkas, senior director of educational options, told the board. Barkas highlighted a portfolio of grants — more than $6 million in recent awards, a $33.5 million Golden State Pathways five‑year investment, Perkins and other federal funds — that support industry‑standard equipment, certifications and paid internship stipends.
Barkas described more than 30 unique pathways at district high schools, plans to expand paid internships (including climate action and NextGen Med Pros pilots), efforts to secure dual‑enrollment and apprenticeship partnerships, and an early conversation with regional health partners on a physician pipeline linked to UC Davis and UC Merced. The district said many capstone courses now include certifications such as OSHA‑10, food handler or CPR and that some paid internships are open to students from across all high schools.
Community speakers and new CTE teachers praised the programs and described student outcomes, including Emmy Awards for student production teams and dual enrollment successes. Trustees asked for continued alignment with local workforce needs and for reporting on pipeline outcomes.
District staff noted several facilities and program additions in progress (solar labs, an Ag farm, EMT pathway at Gregori) and said monthly newsletters list student awards and program updates.
