The focus of Mission CISD (Consolidated Independent School District) on college and career preparation continues to have a growing impact on the district’s high school graduates. Mission CISD has been an area leader in the development of School to Career opportunities in conjunction with South Texas College (STC). Through various Career Technical Education tracks, students can graduate not only prepared to enter the workforce, but also with a strong foundation of college credits to be used toward their continuing college education.
Two years ago, 48 Mission CISD high school students were eligible to participate in STC graduation ceremonies after earning professional certifications. Last year, that nearly doubled to 96 Mission CISD seniors. This year, over 130 members of the Mission CISD Classes of 2014 will be participating in STC graduation ceremonies before they walk across the stage at their high school commencement ceremonies.
“These students have been taking dual enrollment coursework that has earned most of them a year’s worth of college credit,” explained Sergio Pena, Director for Career Technical Education at Mission CISD. “These students can now pursue an Associate’s Degree at STC and finish in one year, instead of two. In some cases, their certificate level training will also allow them to step directly into the skilled workforce. Pena said that will be a crucial part of being able to continue with their college dreams.”
Mission CISD students can participate in two year dual enrollment programs that lead to a Certificate with
South Texas College in the following programs: Patient Care Assistant, Precision Manufacturing Technology, Computer & Internet Specialist and Multimedia Specialist. Other Mission CISD students also participate in the School to Career Academy & Dual Enrollment (SCADE). This is a one year intensive program in welding and electronic health records specialist that provides students an opportunity to earn a certificate in one year and be ready to join the workforce right after high school graduation.
Pictured are the Mission CISD students involved in the school to career program after they picked up their official STC graduation caps and gowns. The STC commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, May 16.
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