Manassas Park CTE leaders report big increase in work‑based learning; pilot EMT course to offer National Registry exam eligibility

CTE staff reported an expansion of work‑based learning opportunities and described a pilot EMT program as part of broader career and technical education growth in Manassas Park.

Lisa Wolf, a CTE staff member, told the board that state accountability indicators show the division did not meet a handful of measures this year—notably science pass rates and some work‑based learning documentation—but that recent staffing and documentation improvements are helping close gaps. "We haven't met them this year. Some of them are to be expected," Wolf said, adding that staff are taking steps to ensure reported data match actual student experiences.

Hamad Hallak (CTE staff) described a rapid jump in documented work‑based learning experiences: "When we closed last year we got credit for 7 opportunities. This year we will get well over 100," Hallak said, crediting new documentation systems and a staff member dedicated to tracking experiences.

Presenters highlighted partnerships with local employers and organizations: a "Coffee with Contractors" series that brings trade employers to campus, a National Women in Roofing externship that led to OSHA‑10 certifications for participants, and CNA clinical placements at hospice care centers with local employers (Comfort Keepers and Capital Care) actively recruiting students. Wolf said the district expects many CNA completers to graduate with job offers.

The board also heard about Future Kings programming (students earning Google Cybersecurity certificates and college credits) and new externship models that allow education‑pathway students to earn course credit while working at the elementary campus.

On credentials and new offerings, presenters described a summer SAGE EMT cohort of 12 students (eligibility requires completion of health/medical prerequisites). The SAGE sessions run primarily Tuesday–Thursday evenings (6–10 p.m.) and include extended Sunday sessions (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) at Buckhall Firehouse; completing the course will make students eligible to sit for the National Registry EMT exam. Long‑term adoption into the regular course catalog with partner districts was listed as "TBD" for 2025.

Board members asked whether the EMT pipeline could feed local fire departments. Presenters said the Manassas Park/Manassas City fire departments have already opened doors to students for ride‑alongs and meetings to discuss a recruitment pipeline.

CTE staff offered to provide board members with more detailed data and the state master schedule/collection reports when they are submitted.

The presentation closed with board appreciation for the breadth of partnerships and attention to workforce readiness.