Middle School CTE

Why explore CTE in middle school?

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This is a question that young people are often asked, but not often given the opportunity to truly investigate. Students need early, rich, and varied experiences so they can learn about, practice, and explore careers before making decisions about enrolling in VUSD’s many high school CTE Pathways or Linked Learning Academies. As stated in our Forward 2030 Strategic Plan, VUSD is committed to providing equitable access to graduation and post-secondary success by “expanding and enhancing our CTE programming.” One exciting way we are expanding our programming is the addition of a new middle school elective course.

New Elective Course: CTE Career Experience

Beginning in Fall 2025, students at each middle school site will be able to enroll in the new “CTE Career Experience” course. Check out the Course Outline for detailed information.

During the class, students rotate through a sequence of curated Paxton Patterson College and Career Ready Labs where they explore real-world challenges and learn about training pathways to high-paying careers. Students can try out robotics, engines, nursing, veterinary science, construction, welding, cooking, video editing, and much more. They will also engage in project-based learning as they work in groups to create a business plan and produce a documentary video while working alongside local industry experts to develop public speaking and professional skills and apply what they’ve learned to address real-world challenges in Visalia.

CTE Career Experience Flier

CTE Career Experience Recruitment Video

Middle School CTE Advisory Board

Visalia Unified School District’s CTE Department is designing a new middle school CTE Career Experience elective course for the 2025-26 school year. We are seeking educators and industry partners to provide insight and guidance on aligning the course to our CTE Pathways and Linked Learning Academies, post-secondary learning opportunities such as College of the Sequoias, and emerging job opportunities unique to our region. Virtual meetings will be structured to network, engage with fresh data, and provide input on course content and projects. Check out the Middle School CTE Advisory Board Invitation for monthly topics. Please register here to attend any or all of the remaining Advisory Board Meetings. They take place Thursday evenings from 4:00- 5:00 pm via Zoom.