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Career Technical Education (CTE)

CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)

Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Today

Welcome to the Career & Technical Education (CTE) program at Peninsula School District! Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to thrive in today’s competitive world. Through a blend of academic excellence and practical, hands-on learning, our CTE programs prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond.

 

Educational Service Center
14015 62nd Avenue NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
P: (253) 530-1000

Kelsey Parke
Director of Career and Technical Education
cte@psd401.net

What is Career Technical Education?

Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers students a unique opportunity to engage in a wide variety of subjects that combine academic, creative, and technical skills. Our goal is to prepare students not just for high school graduation, but for life beyond, whether that’s in college, a career, or the community.

  • CTE empowers students by providing:
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Industry-recognized certifications
  • Opportunities to earn dual college credits
  • Skills necessary for high-wage, high-skill careers

Our CTE programs are designed to:

  • Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills.
  • Connect students with real-world career experiences, including internships and industry visits.
  • Support academic success through programs that align with state and national standards.

Why CTE in Peninsula School District?

The Peninsula School District is dedicated to personalizing education to meet the needs of every student. CTE plays a crucial role in this by:

  • Promoting academic excellence through career-connected experiences.
  • Fostering innovation and creativity in all students.
  • Engaging the community through partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals.

 

College and Career Services

The College and Career Center is staffed by a CTE and ESA Certified School Counselor and Career Center Specialists. For more information about High School and Beyond Planning, College Credits in High School and more, go to College and Career Services.

Reasons to visit the Career Center: 

  • College Visits
  • Military Careers
  • Testing - SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB
  • Career Searching
  • Scholarships
  • College Applications
  • College Requirements
  • Find which school is best for you
  • Apprenticeships
  • Find out who is hiring
  • Career Related Field Trips and more!

Career & Technical Programs

Our district offers a wide range of CTE programs, from Pre-Pathway courses in middle school to advanced courses in high school. Explore the different pathways that can lead to high-wage, high-skill careers.

Skilled & Technical Sciences
Develop essential skills for a wide range of technical and trade careers. Our Skilled & Technical Sciences program offers hands-on training in areas such as manufacturing, engineering, digital design, and more. Students will gain practical experience and industry-recognized certifications that prepare them for immediate entry into the workforce or further education.

Course Offerings:

  • Architecture and Interior Design I & II
  • Digital Photography I & II
  • Forensics
  • Glass Art 1 & 2
  • Graphic Design
  • Intro to Manufacturing I & II
  • Video Game Design
  • Video Production I & II
  • Jewelry/Metal Sculpture
  • Theater Design & Technology
  • Skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics)
Explore the frontiers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with our STEM program. Through project-based learning and innovative coursework, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that are in high demand in today's economy.

Course Offerings:

  • Aerospace Technology I
  • Design and Modeling
  • Drone Certification
  • Engineering Design I & II
  • Flight and Space
  • Intro to Engineering
  • Intro to Robotics
  • Medical Detectives
  • Robotics I & II
  • Energy and the Environment

Business & Marketing
Prepare for a successful career in the dynamic world of business and marketing. Our program covers essential topics such as entrepreneurship, finance, and digital marketing, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the global marketplace.

Course Offerings:

  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Computer Science Principles
  • App Creators
  • Career, College, and Financial Exploration
  • Communication in the Workplace
  • Competitive Speech and Debate
  • Computer Science for Innovators and Makers
  • Game Programming
  • Introduction to Computer Science I & II
  • Marketing I, II, III, IV
  • Publishing: Newspaper and Yearbook

Family & Consumer Sciences
Gain practical skills that apply to both personal and professional life through our Family & Consumer Sciences program. This program focuses on areas such as nutrition, child development, and family dynamics, preparing students for careers in education, healthcare, and beyond.

Course Offerings:

  • American Sign Language I, II, III, IV
  • Community Leadership
  • Ethnic Foods
  • Food Science
  • Health
  • Nutrition and Food Preparation
  • Psychology - Child Psychology
  • Teacher Academy

Health Sciences
Step into the fast-paced world of healthcare with our Health Sciences program. Whether you're interested in becoming a medical professional or pursuing a career in sports medicine, this program offers the training and certifications you need to succeed.

Course Offerings:

  • Biomedical Innovations and Health Careers
  • Human Body Systems
  • Medical Interventions
  • Principles of Biomedical Science
  • Sports Medicine: Personal Trainer
  • Sports Medicine: Rehabilitation

Agriculture
Explore the science and technology behind sustainable agriculture. Our Agriculture program provides students with hands-on experience in environmental science, animal care, and crop production, preparing them for careers in the growing field of agriculture.

Course Offerings:

  • AP Environmental Science

CTE Graduation Pathway

The CTE Graduation Pathway allows students to complete a sequence of courses that prepare them for post-secondary education or immediate entry into the workforce. These pathways can be customized to align with students' career goals.

Benefits of choosing a CTE Pathway:

  • Earn dual college credit
  • Gain industry-recognized certifications
  • Prepare for high-demand careers

 

Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an essential part of our CTE programs, offering students real-world experience in their chosen career fields.

Our WBL opportunities include:

  • Internships
  • Job shadowing
  • Cooperative education
  • Apprenticeships

Resources for Students and Families

Explore a variety of resources to help you navigate the CTE programs and make the most of your high school experience.

Available resources:

  • Course Catalog
  • Graduation Requirements
  • Dual Credit Information
  • Certification Guides

Our success in CTE is deeply connected to our partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals. Our advisory committees help ensure that our programs stay relevant and aligned with current industry needs.

Interested in joining one of our advisory committees? Your expertise can help shape the future of our students.

Click Here to Join Our Advisory!

 

Follow Us on Social Media!

 
PSD CTE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kelsey Parke (@psd_cte) • Instagram photos and videos

  • Please note: There is a new process to record your community service hours. Read through the information carefully. The link to the app is provided below. Athletic secretaries at each school will be the contact person if you have questions.

    Engaging in community service is a way to uplift others, the community, and oneself. The impact on the lives of others and the community at large can be lasting. It is also a great way to enrich your skills at relationship-building, empathy, problem-solving, and leadership. Peninsula School District is proud to honor students who contribute to our community with the Varsity Letter in Community Service. This opportunity is available to students going into 9th through 12th grade and can be repeated through each year of high school.

    REQUIREMENTS

    1. 2.5 or greater cumulative GPA at the end of 1st semester of the 24-25 school year.
    2. Complete at least 100 hours of community service between June 15, 2024 and May 31, 2025. If you have hours you already accrued beginning June 15, 2024, the app will allow you to enter hours for previous dates.
    3. At least 25 hours of the 100 must be completed within Pierce County.
    4. Service for non-profit organizations is encouraged. However, hours spent benefiting the organization itself—such as singing choir or teaching youth group at your church or setting up an event for your own Boy Scout troop, organizing food or clothing drive would count.
    5. Community service hours for lettering must be beyond class/course credit requirements and cannot be paid.
    6. Applications must be completed by May 31, 2025.

    Track your hours via the app. Click on the link below to access the app. Sign into Google using your PSD401.net account.

    2024-2025 Tracker 

     

    The DEADLINE is May 31, 2025 for earning hours.  There is no need to “submit” your hours after you have achieved the 100 hours. The athletic secretary has access to your app and will verify you have met the criteria for earning the Varsity Letter in Community Service on June 1.

    Make sure you have entered all your hours by May 31, 2025. There will be no opportunity to submit late hours. Every student has access to their own personal hour tracker.  Enter your hours into the app. Please click on the drop-down menu to select what year of volunteer hours you have completed.  

    For the first year of completing the Varsity Letter in Community Service, will receive a varsity letter.  Every year after that, students will receive a pin. Students who achieve the Varsity Letter in Community Service each year of high school, will receive a silver cord to wear at graduation. 

    RECOGNITION

    Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the Varsity Letter in Community Service will be notified by the end of the first week in June 2025.   

  • Specialized CTE equipment can be expensive for district’s to purchase and maintain, so regional skills centers, like West Sound Tech Skills (WST) in Bremerton, offer programs for students who attend school in neighboring districts.  PSD students can attend half-day CTE programs at WST to obtain high school academic credit, college credit, industry certifications, career-connected learning, and college entrance requirements. For more information, visit their website.