Career and Technical Education or CTE includes training that prepares students for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand jobs. CTE programs provide students with academic knowledge, technical skills, and work-based learning experiences needed to succeed in the workplace.
The CTE program at Frenship ISD is extensive and offers top career training for students. At Frenship High School, students can pursue academic pathways in 26 different CTE state-aligned programs with over 90 courses to choose from.
A handful of the CTE programs at FHS fall into a Public Services or Business and Industry Endorsement. These courses focus on various industries such as hospitality, tourism, education, training, and human services.
Stacy Barnett, Frenship High School Human Services and Mentor Program Teacher stated that students who take the CTE courses are equipped with real-world experience, skills, and knowledge that will serve them well in whatever path they choose.
“I feel that the skills and knowledge students gain through their CTE courses set students up in many ways for future success,” said Barnett. “Our CTE students are able to walk out of our doors with many of the skills needed to be successful in the workforce and other educational endeavors.”
The Mentor Program is a cooperative effort between Frenship High School and the Frenship elementary and middle schools. The goal of the Mentor Program is to place responsible, motivated and caring high school students with younger students in the lower and middle grades who are in need of extra support and a positive role model. Participating FHS students are enrolled in Family and Community Services or Counseling and Mental Health as an elective course.
Barnett has been running the Mentor Program at FHS for the last nine years and stated that she has always had a passion for helping others. With a background in social services and counseling, Barnett is an incredible resource for the high school mentors in their journey to aid their mentees. One of Barnett’s favorite parts of the Mentor Program is to see the impact of her students on the mentees and how the students grow through these built relationships.
“I love seeing my high school students develop and strengthen the skills needed to be positive role models for our younger students and for success in their future careers,” said Barnett.
Another Public Service CTE program offered at FHS is Teaching and Training. Students enrolled in this pathway take various courses such as Child Development and Ready, Set, Teach. Within this program, students have the chance to obtain their Education Aide Certification, which sets them up to pursue a career in education.
Additionally, students interested in teaching and training are encouraged to join the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. FCCLA is a student organization that focuses on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.
One of the most hands-on programs at FHS is the extensive Culinary Arts Program. With two industrial-sized kitchens and rich community involvement, the Culinary Arts program effectively prepares students for careers in the food industry. Students learn about food safety and sanitation, food preparation, and various cooking techniques and skills.
Students enrolled in Culinary Arts are exposed to several cooking and baking styles, from restaurant cuisine to mass bakery production. Throughout their time in the program, students are able to apply for their ServSafe Food Handlers Certification and ServSafe Manager Certification. Students also have the opportunity to put their kitchen skills to the test with contests such as the Texas High School BBQ Competition, Texas ProStart Competition, and LoneStar Chef Competition.
The culinary classes regularly have community guests such as United Supermarkets come in to share their expertise. These community partners bring current industry trends and insights straight to the students and encourage them to pursue careers in the field.
Kalab Sena, a fourth-year culinary student, stated that he would encourage any student to try culinary arts because of the dynamic lessons and interactive atmosphere.
“Each year you get to learn something new,” said Sena. “I feel like it's a good experience for people to come and try to get their hands on the food and get to know the basic guidelines for food.”
Frenship is proud to offer an extensive CTE curriculum to match the interests of all students. “Celebrating CTE month gives educators the opportunity to highlight all CTE programs and raise awareness of what we do and who we are,” said Barnett. “Students are exposed to all of the different choices and opportunities that are available to them and see how these programs can positively impact their futures.”
Stay tuned throughout the month of February as Frenship celebrates Career and Technical Education Month!