As the 2025–2026 school year begins, Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) is proud to welcome back our students, staff, and families with a renewed commitment to innovation, opportunity, and student success. Among the many programs that set QCUSD apart, our career and technical education (CTE) satellite offerings continue to be a standout—empowering students with real-world skills that translate directly into college and career readiness.
This year, approximately 2,660 secondary students, representing 56% of our junior high and high school population, are enrolled in one or more satellite CTE programs across our district. These programs allow students to explore high-demand industries while remaining on their home campuses. From engineering and computer science to culinary arts, sports medicine, digital communication, and agriculture, students are gaining valuable, hands-on experience that prepares them for the future.
“Our promise to students and families is clear: We’re not just preparing students to graduate—we’re preparing them to thrive,” said QCUSD Superintendent Dr. Perry Berry. “Our satellite CTE programs are a critical piece of that promise. They give students the chance to explore career paths, develop technical skills, and earn industry certifications—all without having to leave their own school community.”
Unlike traditional centralized career centers, QCUSD’s satellite model brings industry-standard instruction and equipment directly to our campuses, allowing students to engage in relevant, real-world learning throughout their school day. These programs are taught by experienced professionals and are aligned with Arizona’s workforce needs, ensuring students graduate with the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
One of the greatest advantages of QCUSD’s satellite CTE programs is that students can access high-quality, hands-on career training right on their own campuses—eliminating the need for long bus rides to a central location. This not only protects valuable instructional time but also ensures students remain connected to their school community while exploring future career pathways. By bringing opportunity to where students already are, QCUSD is making workforce readiness more accessible, more equitable, and more impactful.
Whether a student dreams of becoming a software developer, a nurse, an entrepreneur, or a mechanic, QCUSD’s CTE programs help them take the first step toward that goal with confidence and support.
As we begin this school year, we celebrate our CTE students, staff, and families, and we reaffirm our commitment to creating a future-ready community where every student has the opportunity to discover their passion, develop their talents, and define their own path to success.
Welcome back, QCUSD. Let’s make it a year of innovation, exploration, and opportunity!