Lexington 2 highlights innovation center growth, new CTE pathways and industry ties

District CTE leaders Stacy Baker and Joni Coleman presented an update on career and technical education at the Lexington County School District Two Innovation Center, emphasizing enrollment growth, credential attainment and new pathways designed to align with local workforce needs.

Baker told trustees the state's graduation rate for students who concentrate in CTE courses is 98.4 percent and that 73.2 percent of concentrators earn a recognized postsecondary credential. She outlined a shift to add core engineering (to serve college-prep-level students who might not fit the honors Project Lead The Way pathway) and a new real-estate course that combines entrepreneurship, marketing and licensing preparation. Students who take the real-estate pathway will be able to continue training through a broker-teacher's program until they reach the age requirement to sit for the exam.

Chet Henderson and Laird Thompson described hands-on programs: Henderson said the barbering program has grown to 32 students with regular community haircuttings serving 45–55 people per outreach event; Thompson said seniors completed AWS D1.1 welding qualifications and are pursuing paid work opportunities. Baker highlighted a recent industry visit to Zeus Technical Academy, where students can earn wages while taking Midlands Technical College classes, and said industry partners are pressing for soft skills, leadership and process-improvement training.

Trustees applauded the focus on credentials and career readiness and asked administration to continue building dual-enrollment, work-based learning and technical pathways that match local demand. Administration said it will continue to refine enrollment processes and course-request systems that drive scheduling decisions at the Innovation Center.