Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is focused on delivering students of all ages hands-on, skills-based education that better prepares them for future education or entering the workforce.
South Texas ISD paved the way for Career & Technical Education (CTE) in the Rio Grande Valley with the establishment of its first vocational magnet school in 1984.
Since that time, the district has grown and developed its campuses and CTE programs, offering RGV students innovative educational opportunities.
STISD continues to build and strengthen courses, programs, and certification opportunities through organizations/extracurriculars that meet the individual interests and needs of our students. For the 2025-2025 School Year, we will offer 21 different Programs of Study within 10 Career Clusters, all intended to provide our students an advantage in their career.
With the wide variety of Career Clusters and Programs of Study at STISD, there is something here for every student. We are always innovating, and we offer state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and high-quality instruction by teachers who are experts in their fields. Your time at South Texas ISD will set you on the path to a successful career, and we are excited to guide you through it!
Our STISD Career & Technical Education Guide will help provide a perspective for current students and families to find their fit. We encourage you to look through the guide to learn more about available programs at STISD. The short quizzes and sample occupations will help you to define your areas of interest, and campus counselors are available to answer more specific questions as you decide your path to success.
Download: Career & Technical Education Guide | Guía de Educación Profesional y Técnica en español
Non-Discrimination Statement:
It is the policy of South Texas Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Es norma del Distrito Independiente de South Texas de no discriminar en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales y brinda igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.
Career Clusters at South Texas ISD
Click on each icon below to explore the 10 available Career Clusters + 21 Programs of Study offered at South Texas ISD. Individual course descriptions and information regarding industry-based certifications are also available.
Community Partnerships
At South Texas ISD, we are grateful for our community partners and the invaluable experiences they provide to our students as they pursue their CTE programs of study. We are always open to establishing new partnerships to offer even richer learning opportunities.
If you are interested in becoming one of our STISD Business/Industry Partners, please contact our CTE department at (956) 514-4268 or submit your contact information with the link below. Thank you!
Career & Technical Education Half-Day Program
Through the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Half-Day Program, students with special needs can take the majority of their academic classes at their home high schools and take three career and technical education courses and one core academic course at STISD high schools.
The purpose of the program is to teach students in a real work environment so they gain a marketable edge in the workforce. Further, students gain the confidence they need to continue their education after high school. Graduates of the program have solid technical and social skills.
Click here to learn more about the CTE Half-Day Program at STISD
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)
The Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Program is available for students enrolled at STISD Science Acdaemy.
P-TECH is an innovative school model that allows students to receive curriculum focused on workforce needs, and develop partnerships while obtaining credentials, certificates and an earn college credit hours.
Students participating in P-TECH can:
- Earn a high school diploma and a certificate in the area of computer programming & software development at NO COST
- Graduate with up to 55 credit hours transferable to any Texas supported college or university
- Gain work experience through career readiness, job shadowing, internships, or job training program
CTE Consortium
Labor Market Information
Contact: Vanessa Rivera, Career & Technical Education Director | vanessa.rivera@stisd.net | 956.514.4268
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