Local students have opportunities to earn high school and dual-enrollment credits and be exposed to lucrative career paths through the Calcasieu Parish School Board Career and Technical Education Jump Start program.

CPSB Career and Technical Education Director Tony McCardle said the program was created in 2015. “It fit nicely here in Calcasieu since we had such a wide variety of courses and programs in place to meet the interests of all students no matter their plans after high school.”

These opportunities allow students with vocational and technical aspirations to acquire experience and skills before they graduate from high school.

McCardle said students who participate in CTE courses and programs are “afforded the opportunity to earn certifications and credentials in the area of interest.”

“This ensures students of job placement and advancement when they enter the workforce,” he said. “It also propels them ahead when they enter a post-secondary college or university.”                    

The Career and Technical Education has a multitude of courses and programs that any high school and middle school student can take, earn high school credit and in most cases, dual enrollment credit from post-secondary partners.

“It is our mission that we continually work to enhance and modify our curriculum to meet the needs of our students as well as to stay current with technology that is current in the workforce,” he said.

These programs are designed with all students in mind. McCardle said while a solid understanding of math and science is essential and some courses and programs have prerequisites for class registration, Jump Start “courses are designed for all students, college and university bound, as well as students entering a post-secondary school to enhance a trade.”

Different schools have different program availability “pending staffing and students interest.” However, McCardle confirmed that all 11 high schools have courses and programming available to all students.

In the Jump Start program, students are able to earn high school credits, college dual credits, and certifications or credentials. Students can begin exploring these options in middle school.

“Each year, beginning in middle school, students meet one-on -one with our counselors to review all options available to them,” he explained. “We want to provide courses and programs for all interest levels so we are constantly reviewing our courses and programs to ensure we are offering what our students want and what other stakeholders need in the workforce.”

There are 10 different Jump Start pathways that students can follow:

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Architecture and Construction

Arts, AV Technology and Communication

Business Management

Health Sciences

Hospitality and Tourism

Information Technology

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security

Manufacturing

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

McCardle said work is being done to add Cyber Security and Law and Public Safety programs, as well as expansions for CPSB’s Pre-Educator Pathway.