Hands-On Learning That Matters

At Pasadena High School CTE, students learn by completing authentic, project-based work that reflects industry practice—from building structures and diagnosing health conditions to producing media, programming applications, preparing meals, and solving engineering problems.

Graduates leave with portfolios, demonstrated competencies, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized credentials that support careers, two-year degrees, or four-year universities.

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Student Work by Program Area

Animal Science

• Animal Care & Management - Students manage live animals, develop care protocols, conduct health assessments, and maintain detailed records

• Veterinary Applications - Students perform health evaluations, assist with treatments, and apply diagnostic skills to real animal health situations

• Agricultural Research - Students conduct experiments in animal nutrition and breeding, compiling and presenting data

Students build practical expertise in animal husbandry, veterinary procedures, health assessment, and professional animal handling.

Audio Video Production

• Professional Video Productions - Students conceptualize, shoot, edit, and produce videos for school events, local businesses, and community organizations

• Audio Engineering - Students record, mix, and master audio content for podcasts, documentaries, commercials, and promotional materials

• Live Event Coverage - Students operate cameras, manage audio, and coordinate live broadcasts of school and community events

Students use industry equipment and software to create portfolio-ready media while developing storytelling and project management skills.

Business

• Business Planning & Analysis - Students develop business plans, analyze real companies, create financial projections, and pitch ideas to professional panels

• Accounting & Financial Management - Students manage budgets, create financial statements, reconcile accounts, and apply accounting principles to real scenarios

• Marketing & Social Media Strategy - Students develop marketing plans, create social media content, analyze market data, and execute campaigns for real organizations

Students strengthen entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy, data analysis, strategic decision-making, and professional communication.

Computer Science

• Software Development - Students design, code, test, and deploy applications and programs using industry-standard languages

• Web Development - Students build websites and web applications with responsive design and functional database integration

• Cybersecurity & Problem-Solving - Students identify system vulnerabilities, develop security protocols, and participate in coding competitions

Students develop coding proficiency and computational problem-solving skills through functional applications and technical projects.

Construction

• Building Projects - Students construct structures including framing, roofing, electrical systems, and finished interiors under professional supervision

• Design & Blueprint Work - Students interpret blueprints, create construction documents, plan projects, and estimate costs using industry tools

• Safety & Project Management - Students conduct inspections, identify code violations, develop safety protocols, and manage construction sequences

Students gain trade skills, blueprint literacy, project planning, safety awareness, and tangible project experience.

Culinary Arts

• Commercial Kitchen Operations - Students prepare restaurant-quality meals in professional kitchens, manage inventory, maintain sanitation standards, and execute complex recipes

• Menu Development & Food Service - Students design menus, calculate food costs, and prepare meals for school events, community functions, and catering operations

• Food Safety & Professional Standards - Students demonstrate proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices meeting health department standards

Students develop culinary technique, food safety expertise, and kitchen management skills while serving real customers.

Engineering

• CAD Design & Technical Drawing - Students use industry software to design mechanical systems, structures, and electrical components solving real problems

• Prototyping & Fabrication - Students build prototypes, test designs, troubleshoot problems, and iterate based on results

• Engineering Challenges & Competitions - Students solve design problems, optimize systems for efficiency, and present solutions at competitions

Students apply technical design, spatial reasoning, physics, and mathematics to prototypes and engineering challenges.

Health Science

• Clinical Skills Practice - Students perform clinical procedures including vital signs assessment, EKG interpretation, phlebotomy, and patient care techniques

• Diagnostic & Therapeutic Applications - Students work with medical equipment, conduct health assessments, and assist with patient care procedures

• Community Health Projects - Students conduct health screenings, develop health education materials, and implement wellness initiatives

Students develop clinical competency, patient care skills, and professional healthcare practices through clinical and community experiences.

Outdoor Education

• Wilderness Skills & Leadership - Students develop outdoor survival skills, lead group expeditions, navigate using maps and compasses, and apply outdoor safety practices

• Environmental Management - Students participate in habitat restoration, conduct wildlife surveys, perform water quality testing, and implement land management practices

• Outdoor Recreation Programming - Students plan and lead outdoor activities, teach outdoor skills to younger students, and develop recreation programs

Students build outdoor competency, environmental stewardship, leadership, and field-based service experience.

Process Technology

• Industrial Systems Operation - Students operate and monitor process control systems, manage equipment, troubleshoot problems, and maintain system efficiency

• Safety & Compliance Management - Students develop safety protocols, conduct equipment inspections, and ensure compliance with industry regulations

• System Optimization & Analysis - Students analyze processes, identify inefficiencies, implement improvements, and document results

Students develop systems knowledge, safety awareness, troubleshooting ability, and process improvement expertise for manufacturing and utilities careers.

Marine Corps JROTC

• Leadership Development & Command - Students assume leadership positions, conduct formations and inspections, supervise training events, and develop other cadets

• Drill & Ceremony - Students master military drill, participate in color guards and ceremonies, and compete in drill competitions at regional and national levels

• Marksmanship & Physical Fitness - Students develop shooting skills, achieve marksmanship qualifications, compete in fitness competitions, and earn achievement badges

Students develop leadership, discipline, physical fitness, professional bearing, and team-management skills through training and competition.

Welding

• Welding Projects - Students practice multiple welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick), create welded structures, and produce work meeting industry quality standards

• Metal Fabrication - Students design and fabricate metal structures, read blueprints, and create custom metal work for real applications on campus and in the community

• Quality & Safety Standards - Students apply welding safety procedures, inspect welds for quality and compliance, and maintain equipment to industry standards

Students develop welding, fabrication, safety, and quality-control skills demonstrated through completed structures and custom projects.

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Skills & Competencies Developed

Technical Skills

Students master the tools, equipment, software, and procedures used in their fields and demonstrate competency through projects and industry certifications.

Workplace Readiness

Teamwork, communication, presentation, creative problem-solving, time management, reliability, adaptability, attention to detail, safety awareness, and professional conduct are embedded in every program.

Certification & Credential Preparation

Projects build the knowledge and experience needed for certification exams, helping many students graduate with credentials that strengthen employability and earning potential.

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Real-World Applications

Industry-Connected and Work-Based Learning

Students apply classroom knowledge to professional projects and, where available, internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships alongside industry professionals.

Community Partnerships and Service Learning

Programs collaborate with businesses, healthcare facilities, construction companies, restaurants, and community organizations, giving students practical experience while meeting community needs.

Industry Professional Involvement

Guest speakers, mentors, advisory committees, and internship supervisors help keep curriculum current and connect students with career networks.

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Showcase & Competition

CTSO Competitions & Events

Organizations such as SkillsUSA, HOSA, FFA, DECA, and BPA give students opportunities to demonstrate skills, compete, network, and earn recognition.

Student Competitions & Awards

Regional and state competitions in fields including welding, construction, healthcare, culinary arts, and business are judged by industry professionals and celebrate quality and innovation.

Portfolio Development

Students compile project photos, videos, certifications, competition results, and other accomplishments into portfolios that demonstrate readiness to colleges and employers.

Career Fair Participation

At school and community career fairs, students present their work, practice professional communication, and connect directly with employers for jobs and internships.

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Ready to Launch Your Future?

Explore our programs, talk to your school counselor, and discover which CTE pathway aligns with your interests and goals. Your future starts here.

Enroll Today at the Bobby Newcomb CTE Center at PHS