Nine public school districts in Maricopa and Pinal counties, representing nearly 24,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school students, are celebrating the growing success of satellite CTE programs, which provide Arizona students direct access to real-world career preparation, without ever leaving their high school campuses.
What is CTE?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for high-wage careers in high-demand industries. CTE combines traditional classroom instruction with hands-on training, ensuring students gain practical experience and industry credentials before graduation.
What are Satellite CTE Programs?
One effective and successful way to deliver CTE instruction in Arizona is through the satellite program model, where high-quality CTE classes are taught directly at students’ home high schools. These programs are aligned with Arizona’s workforce needs and taught by experienced professionals using industry-standard equipment and curriculum.
This model keeps students connected to their school communities, protects instructional time, and removes the transportation and scheduling barriers that may be associated with centralized career education options.
Widespread Impact Across Nine Districts:
Together, the nine participating districts – Queen Creek, Chandler, Gilbert, Higley, Cave Creek, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, J.O. Combs, and Tempe Union – offer more than 100 CTE programs through the satellite model, 15 of which are available exclusively on high school campuses.
When monitored by the Arizona Department of Education in the 2023–2024 school year, nearly every satellite program across the nine districts was rated either distinguished or proficient, which are the highest ratings possible by state standards.
Graduation rates for students in satellite CTE programs are many times above the average graduation rate for the state and/or district, respectively. In the 2024–2025 school year, students in satellite CTE programs at the nine districts earned more than 5,000 industry-recognized certifications while still in high school. Earning industry certifications makes the students immediately employable and gives them a head start in their careers. Students in each district consistently share how access to satellite programs has changed the course of their education and future careers.
Student Voices: Real-World Results:
These programs are transforming students’ lives and futures:
“Having the nursing program on campus made it so easy. I could walk to class and still keep my electives. If I had to travel to EVIT, I might not have pursued it at all.” — Jorden, CTE LNA Graduate, J.O. Combs Unified School District
“Some of the skills that woodshop has taught me are perseverance and dedication. It really taught me not everything needs to be perfect.” — Rylee, CTE Cabinetmaking Student, Chandler Unified School District
“It is extremely empowering when you look at a set and say, ‘Wow, my team and I did that.’ Almost everyone can find a place in tech theatre.” — Mia & Nico, CTE Technical Theatre Students, Chandler Unified School District
“It’s a very easy way to get hands-on experience like an EVIT class would, without the time commitment or disruption to my schedule.” — Addison, CTE Film & TV Student, Queen Creek Unified School District
“Our high-end lab equipment replicates a real biotech lab experience. It sets me up for amazing opportunities.” — Stevie, CTE Bioscience Student, Tempe Union High School District
“CTE courses have helped me find my passion and learn what skills are needed to go into these industries. I have learned what it’s like to work in the industry, and then from there, I have been working on the skills needed.” — Amanda, CTE Digital Photography Student, Gilbert Public Schools
“I want to go into the FBI field, and our criminal justice program has really allowed for me to take over that leadership and really expand and get hands-on experience in these different fields.” — Eva, CTE Criminal Justice Graduate, Higley Unified School District
“The marketing program was a positive experience that will impact my future business career. I learned how to identify my target audience and turn my creative ideas into a product that I could advertise and sell.” — Katilyn, CTE Marketing Student, Apache Junction Unified School District
“I love computer science because coding and knowing how to operate a computer is going to be a vital skill as I look for a job in the future.” — Ian, CTE Software App & Design Student, Cave Creek Unified School District
Protecting Student Access and Program Integrity:
With 24,000 students in satellite CTE programs and approximately 3,500 additional students attending classes offered by East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) at their two campuses in both West and East Mesa, it’s clear that career and technical education is highly valued by our communities.
Currently, high-level discussions are underway between the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) and the nine school districts to continue the funding and support structure for satellite CTE programs. The districts are united in their goal: to preserve equitable access to high-quality, on-campus CTE programs that serve students’ best interests.
“Now more than ever, protecting satellite CTE programs means protecting Arizona’s future workforce,” the districts said in a joint statement. “All students deserve access to relevant, hands-on career training without sacrificing their electives, enduring long commutes, or losing connection to their school communities.”
About the Participating School Districts
This release is issued jointly on behalf of the following Arizona public school districts: Apache Junction | Cave Creek | Chandler | Fountain Hills | Gilbert | Higley | J.O. Combs | Queen Creek | Tempe Union