Nine public school districts in Maricopa and Pinal counties representing nearly 24,000 Career and Technical Education high school students are celebrating the growing success of satellite CTE programs.

The programs, which include the three school districts that serve Gilbert, provide Arizona students direct access to real-world career preparation — without ever leaving their high school campuses.

Career and  technical education prepares students for high-wage careers in high-demand industries. CTE combines traditional classroom instruction with hands-on training, ensuring students gain practical experience and industry credentials before graduation.

One effective and successful way to deliver CTE instruction in Arizona is through the satellite program model where high-quality CTE classes are taught directly at students’ home high schools.

These programs are aligned with Arizona’s workforce needs and taught by experienced professionals using industry-standard equipment and curriculum.

This model keeps students connected to their school communities, protects instructional time, and removes the transportation and scheduling barriers that may be associated with centralized career education options.

Together, the nine participating districts — Queen Creek, Chandler, Gilbert, Higley, Cave Creek, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, J.O. Combs, and Tempe Union — offer more than 100 CTE programs through the satellite model — 15 of which are available exclusively on high school campuses.

When monitored by the Arizona Department of Education in the 2023-24 school year, nearly every satellite program across the nine districts was rated either Distinguished or Proficient, which are the highest ratings possible by state standards.

Graduation rates for students in satellite CTE programs are many times above the average graduation rate for the state and/or district respectively. 

In the 2024-25 school year, students in satellite CTE programs at the nine districts earned more than 5,000 industry-recognized certifications while still in high school.

Earning industry certifications makes the students immediately employable and gives them a head start in their careers.

Students in each district consistently share how access to satellite programs have changed the course of their education and future careers.

These programs are transforming students’ lives and futures, according to the students in them.

“Some of the skills that woodshop has taught me are perseverance and dedication," said Rylee, a CTE cabinetmaking student from the Chandler Unified School District. "It really taught me not everything needs to be perfect.”

Amanda, a CTE digital photography student from Gilbert Public Schools, said: “CTE courses have helped me find my passion and learn what skills are needed to go into these industries. I have learned what it's like to work in the industry, and then from there, I have been working on the skills needed.”

Eva, a CTE criminal justice graduate from Higley Unified School District, said: “I want to go into the FBI field, and our criminal justice program has really allowed for me to take over that leadership and really expand and get hands-on experience in these different fields.”

Currently, high-level discussions are underway between EVIT and the nine school districts to continue the funding and support structure for satellite CTE programs. The districts are united in their goal: to preserve equitable access to high-quality, on-campus CTE programs that serve students’ best interests.

"Now more than ever, protecting satellite CTE programs means protecting Arizona’s future workforce," the districts said in a joint statement. "All students deserve access to relevant, hands-on career training without sacrificing their electives, enduring long commutes, or losing connection to their school communities."