Career/Technical Education

At Steilacoom Historical School District, our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program inspires students to explore future careers through hands-on learning, real world applications, and engaging coursework. Our mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in high demand, living wage careers aligned with local, state, and national workforce needs.

SHSD offers six dynamic CTE program areas:

• Agriculture Science
• Business and Marketing
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Health Science
• Skilled and Technical Sciences
• STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Each program area includes a progression of courses, beginning with exploratory options and advancing to preparatory courses. Students are encouraged to complete at least one exploratory course and one preparatory course within a pathway to meet graduation pathway requirements while developing skills that will serve them well in college, careers, and beyond.

Our course offerings are as diverse as our students’ interests. From Intro to Cooking, ASL, and Digital Media to AP Environmental Science, Financial Math, Engineering Essentials, and Advanced Art, students can find opportunities that spark curiosity and build confidence. Leadership and service opportunities are available through courses such as JROTC, Marketing Operations, and Leadership. Students interested in health and medical careers can explore Anatomy, Sports Medicine, Health Science, and Medical Detectives.

During the 2026–2027 school year, Pioneer Middle School is expanding CTE exploration by incorporating Project Lead the Way (PLTW) modules into sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science classes. These modules will provide all students with opportunities to learn more about CTE while continuing to address Next Generation Science Standards. Students will engage in Design and Modeling in sixth grade, Energy and the Environment in seventh grade, and Magic of Electrons in eighth grade.

Pioneer Middle School also offers Medical Detectives, where students investigate medical mysteries using science, data, and technology. In Video Production, students plan, film, and edit digital content while developing technical and creative storytelling skills. Together, these courses introduce middle school students to career pathways and help them connect classroom learning with real world applications.

Steilacoom High School is also expanding its CTE and Advanced Placement offerings with AP Business with Personal Finance. This new course provides students with the opportunity to earn AP credit while also receiving CTE dual credit. Students will develop practical knowledge in business, financial decision making, and personal finance while preparing for college and future careers.

At SHSD, CTE is more than a program. It is a launchpad for meaningful futures, empowering students to turn their interests into opportunities and their passions into purpose.

 

For more information please contact our District CTE Coordinator Tina Hayden at thayden@steilacoom.k12.wa.us