Calhoun County ISD named a CTE District of Distinction

Congratulations, CCISD CTE teachers, students, and families! We have much to be proud of!

The Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) has named Calhoun County ISD a Career & Technical Education (CTE) District of Distinction, recognizing the district for high-quality career and technical education programs that prepare students for college, careers and the workforce.

CTAT's CTE District of Distinction program recognizes Texas school districts that demonstrate strong CTE leadership, innovative programming, alignment with workforce needs and positive student outcomes. Districts are selected based on established criteria that include industry-based certifications, career pathways, industry partnerships and other practices that strengthen student preparation for high-demand careers.

"This recognition reflects the work of our CTE educators, administrators, students, and community partners," said Superintendent Evan Cardwell. "We are proud of the opportunities our programs provide students to build skills, earn credentials and prepare for their next steps after high school."

Calhoun County ISD offers CTE programs designed to connect classroom learning with postsecondary education and workforce opportunities. 

An example of this partnership is the collaboration between Calhoun County ISD, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas, and Victoria College to offer a Process Technology course at the Calhoun High School campus. Victoria College provides the course curriculum, while a Formosa employee delivers instruction, bringing real-world industry knowledge and experience directly into the classroom. This unique model allows students to earn college credit while developing an understanding of current industry practices and workplace expectations. The program also gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills, work ethic, reliability, and overall readiness for the workforce. Upon completing the course, students may apply for available process operator positions through the company’s onsite training and development program. Those who successfully transition into employment are recognized during a signing day, celebrating their accomplishments and reinforcing that entering a high-skill, high-demand career is a significant achievement.

Calhoun County ISD works with multiple community and industry partners to enhance CTE through career exploration experiences, facility tours, guest instruction, hands-on activities, competitions, and direct engagement with students. These collaborations give students access to expertise and opportunities that extend beyond what a school can provide independently while creating meaningful pipelines between our CTE programs and the local workforce.

About the CTE District of Distinction Program

The Career and Technical Association of Texas created the CTE District of Distinction program to recognize districts demonstrating excellence in career and technical education and to highlight practices that can strengthen CTE programs across the state.

For more information about the CTE District of Distinction program and the application process, visit www.ctat.org.