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Mobile County Public Schools (MCPSS) is the largest school system in Alabama, serving more than 50,000 students across its 90 schools. Preparing these students for both college and careers is top priority. They’ve invested in the future of their students by providing a range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and giving them an edge on real-world experiences before graduating. A recent episode of Homeroom highlighted how these innovative pathways are helping students approach the future with confidence. 

Getting Students College and Career Ready 

CTE is divided into 16 national career clusters that apply to different high demand careers. This includes but is not limited to agriculture, arts and communication, STEM and hospitality. MCPSS prides itself in offering at least one program within each of the 16 clusters. Many of these programs offer students internships, apprenticeships and certificates that count towards associate and/or bachelor's degrees. 

To MCPSS it's important that these opportunities come from partnerships with local businesses and students are familiar with jobs available in Mobile County. "Students learn by seeing," said Career Tech Supervisor Claire Mento. "Our industry partners provide those opportunities for us and it only helps our students in the long run." By establishing these working relationships, MCPSS is able to ensure that the curriculum and equipment used in their schools is on par with what students can expect in once they enter the workforce.

Cultivating Skills Through Hands-On Learning

One of the system's CTE programs strengths is the emphasis they place on experiential learning. Students in MCPSS are not just studying concepts they are applying those skills in real life scenarios. 

At Mary G. Montgomery High School's Academy of Agribusiness students develop skills that combine business, agriculture and leadership. Sky Christian, a senior horticulture student, shared what made her fall in love with the program. "It's a very hands-on class and it's something that gets me active during the day," she said. "You learn a lot, not just about plants, it's leadership skills, how to talk to others [and] managing your money." 

Meanwhile, at Williamson High School, the culinary arts program offers another powerful example of hands-on learning. Through culinary arts, students earn certifications, learn food safety practices and explore diverse cuisines while building confidence and creativity. Senior Jamar Spencer values the enrichment and cultural immersion activities the culinary program provides. At the school's international food festival he picked up a Brazilian recipe that he would then go on to share with others along with its cultural significance.

These programs are just two examples of how MCPSS works toward the goal of helping students discover passions while developing practical and transferable skills.

Through innovative programs, dedicated educators and leadership, CTE programs empower students to explore their passions, build confidence and develop skills that will serve them for years to come.

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