UISD’s Career and Technical Education Department strives to prepare students with the academic knowledge and technical skills needed to be successful in today’s competitive global economy. Through both quality career programs of study and partnerships with businesses, industry, and Institutes of Higher Education, students are prepared to seamlessly transition into postsecondary education or the workforce.

UISD’s career and technical programs of study are focused on the 16 national career cluster frameworks adopted by the Texas Education Agency. Students are given the opportunity to select their programs of study in the following clusters.

Programs of Study

The CTE department encourages students to join Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) available at each campus. CTSOs provide students the opportunity to gain effective leadership and communication skills. Student is also able to participate in a variety of community activities and competitive events at the local, regional, state and national levels.

• Business Professionals of Texas
• DECA
• Future Farmers of America
• Health Occupations Students of America
• SkillsUSA – Texas
• Texas Association of Future Educators
• Texas Public Safety Association

Industry Certifications

Students enrolled in CTE courses are encouraged to earn industry-recognized certifications, which offer students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills at industry standards. Students who earn certification while in high school may qualify to earn the Performance Acknowledgement distinction on their high school transcript as per 19 TAC Chapter 74 Subchapter B – Graduation Requirements.

Internships and Practicums

Students at UISD who participate in CTE are provided with real-world experiences through participation in various internships and practicums. UISD has affiliations with businesses, hotels, hospitals, schools, governmental entities, and local organizations.

CTE College Credits

The CTE department highly encourages students to strive for college credit while in high school. Students can earn college credit through workforce certificates offered by the Laredo Community College.

• Workforce Certificates – Students can earn college credit by enrolling in Workforce Certificate Programs with the Laredo Community College. The CTE department has developed Workforce Certificate agreements with Laredo Community College to enhance the CTE program. Programs include Oil and Gas Production, Logistics and Distribution, Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, EMT, Network Administration and Information Assurance, Patient Care Technician, and Diesel Engine.

For Information on Workforce Certificate Programs available at your campus, visit your high school counselor.

Texas College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS)

UISD Career and Technical teachers are trained to incorporate the Texas Career and College Readiness Standards (CCRS) in all CTE courses as outlined in the AchieveTexas Course Crosswalk. The AchieveTexas Course Crosswalk connects the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Career and Technical Education for each course with the Career and College Readiness Standards (CCRS).