Exploring the Long Beach CTE Program
Exploring the Long Beach CTE Program
A Hands-On Path to Success
The Long Beach Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is reshaping how high school students prepare for the workforce by partnering with local businesses and colleges. Recently, representatives from industries and institutions across the coast gathered to showcase the program’s offerings, bringing students real-world, hands-on experiences. Under the guidance of Directors Patrick Bennett and Rachel Lacy, the event highlighted cutting-edge facilities, rigorous coursework, and ambitions for the program’s future.
Diverse Course Offerings in the Long Beach CTE Program
The Long Beach CTE program currently offers a three-year curriculum aimed at providing students with specialized skills in various fields, including Health Science, Work-Based Learning, Business Marketing & Finance, Welding, Automotive, Construction, Engineering, Nutrition and Wellness, and Cyber Foundations for middle school students. This diverse selection enables students to explore career paths that align with their interests while gaining practical experience. At the CTE facility, students have access to specialized areas like automotive and engineering labs, fully equipped to support hands-on learning.
Dual Credits and Educational Partnerships within the Long Beach CTE Program
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) is actively collaborating with the Long Beach CTE program to allow students to earn dual credits, paving the way for simultaneous high school and college credits. This approach helps students get a head start on their post-secondary education, reducing both the time and cost required to earn a degree or certificate. Dual credit initiatives such as these offer invaluable academic and financial benefits for students aiming to excel in their chosen fields.
State-of-the-Art Facilities Funded by BP and State Support
The CTE facility represents a 26,000-square-foot, $11 million investment in the future of coastal students. Funding from BP (85%) and state representatives (15%) made this investment possible, say Bennett. Equipped with modern equipment and resources, the facility serves as a top-tier training ground. These contributions have turned the space into an innovative center, allowing students to gain skills relevant to today’s job market and preparing them to meet industry demands head-on.
Impressive Outcomes and Impact on Students
With 233 students currently enrolled, the Long Beach CTE program has shown remarkable results. Maintaining a 100% graduation rate over the past two years is a testament to its effectiveness. Studies indicate that students in CTE programs experience significantly lower absentee rates. This structured, engaging environment helps students stay focused and motivated, providing a clear path to achieving their career goal, says Rachel Lacy. Additionally, the Long Beach CTE program collaborates with Memorial and Singing River hospitals to place students in clinical settings, helping them meet the 35 clinical hours required for certification. Although building these partnerships with hospitals has posed challenges, CTE remains committed to developing a seamless, supportive network for students pursuing careers in healthcare. These opportunities allow students to gain hands-on learning directly related to their chosen fields, bridging the gap between classroom education and real-world experience.
Future Goals: National Certification by 2025 for Long Beach CTE Program Students
Looking ahead, the primary focus of the Long Beach CTE program is to ensure that, by 2025, all students can graduate with national certifications in their respective fields. Achieving this goal will enhance students’ competitiveness in the workforce, equipping them with recognized credentials as they enter their careers. Paired with the academic rigor that has led Long Beach High School (LBHS) to the second-highest ACT scores in the state, this commitment to quality education and certification underscores the school’s dedication to empowering its students.
A Dedication to Continuous Improvement
One of the most telling aspects of the Long Beach CTE program is its commitment to growth and improvement. The administration actively seeks feedback, unafraid to ask the tricky question: “What are we doing wrong, and how can we fix it?” This openness speaks volumes about their desire to make the program as effective as possible. Significant strides have already been made with state-of-the-art facilities, highly invested instructors, and a curriculum aligned with industry standards. Although the program is still in its early stages, it shows great promise. More than just teachers, the educators here are mentors dedicated to seeing students succeed at a personal level, creating an environment where each student feels supported in their journey.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I walked in not knowing what to expect from this meeting. Sure, I understood what a CTE facility was in theory, but seeing it firsthand was something else entirely. The sheer amount of technology integrated into this place blew my mind. Each room outdid the last in terms of advancement. It’s clear that when a student graduates from this program and Long Beach High School, they’ll be equipped with hands-on knowledge and skills far superior to any generation before mine. This facility is a testament to the dedication toward preparing our children to excel directly in the workforce.
Community colleges are right to offer dual credits to these students—they’ve earned it. This isn’t the woodworking class we remember; this is woodworking elevated with lasers and computers. I hear complaints about the city’s education spending, but these are the future leaders of our country. How can you begrudge the investment? These are the same people who proclaim their love for America, yet they buy flags from China because it’s cheaper. It’s the classic American contradiction: preference for a low price over homegrown quality.
This facility is precisely what our children need to become the next generation of global leaders. If we’re to reclaim our status as an industry leader, we need to start here. I’m thankful to Richard Bennett for securing the final 15% of funding. He gets it—education is the key to Mississippi’s success. It’s time we invest in our children with the same enthusiasm we have for cheap foreign goods.
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