Mesquite ISD reports growth in CTE certifications, expands partnerships with Dallas College and industry

Mesquite ISD's Career and Technical Education director delivered an effectiveness report Aug. 10, citing steady program growth and new industry partnerships that aim to move students into high-demand careers.

The district serves approximately 11,722 CTE students across campuses. Mr. Alsasser said students earned 4,394 industry-based certifications last year, an increase of about 7% from the prior year, and highlighted new programs: digital communications, an electronics program at Poteet developed with Texas Instruments and Dallas College, and an HVAC program at Horn High that will provide students with dual-credit hours and certificates. "Our job is to get kids jobs," he said, emphasizing partnerships, practicums and a February career-connection fair that resulted in on-the-spot job offers for students. Trustees praised the report and asked about staffing and scaling programs to other campuses.