Silicon Valley Career Technical Education has been a program offered at SCHS for over 40 years. With around 25 programs including animation, nursing and culinary arts, SVCTE assists students in finding a career they are passionate about.
Some students have a passion they are not sure how to pursue, like senior Precious Montalban. Montalban has always loved cooking and was able to take the culinary arts course offered at SVCTE’s campus in San Jose.
“The whole meaning behind me joining this program is trying to find a passion, and I found a passion through my grandma from baking and cooking,” Montalban said.
SVCTE has been praised by students and teachers alike for its opportunities and enriching learning experiences.
“You get to go to colleges. It’s a lot of hands-on experience and that’s pretty much what the place is known for,” Montalban said.
Senior Stephanie Torres, who is currently in SVCTE’s nursing program, has earned certifications and internships in her future field. She also loves SVCTE’s social scene and has made inseparable relationships within the senior and junior community.
“What makes it cool is that they are friends that are interested in what you’re interested in, like a job and a career,” Torres said. “It’s just so nice to be friends with people who have the same mindset as you.”
SCHS college and career center technician, Anthony Butler, said students like Montalban and Torres can gain independence and skills that will help them outside of school.
“They have the certifications. They can go out in the world with their tool set and get busy,” Butler said.
By maintaining good grades and attendance, students gain 30 class credits through a three-hour year-long course preparing them to attend college right after highschool.
“Just like in college, you have to retain that information because it’s going to help you be successful with grades and your degree,” Butler said.
According to Butler, even if students are not looking to go into college after high school, SVCTE helps them gain knowledge in a career anyone may be interested in while giving them the tools to succeed in said career.
“Potential job offers, just doors that get opened because you are learning from people who actually work in the field,” Butler said. “They see promise in you and they can put you on a path that’s going to make you very successful.”
Butler believes SVCTE is a stepping stone to the many dreams students have for their future, and he takes pride in his students no matter what career they choose.
“It takes everyone to make this world go round,” Butler said. “I think when it comes to SVCTE, it’s giving everyone an opportunity to find their niche.”
Torres has found her love for nursing and truly appreciates the career journey at SVCTE.
“It’s a really good helpful tool to get ahead and reassure yourself that’s what you want to do, and it gives you so much experience,” Torres said.
Many students and staff recommend joining SVCTE this upcoming school year as they believe it is a program that ultimately helps one find oneself.
“It was a risk that I took that I ended up really loving,” Torres said. “Just go for it.”