CTE Month 2025 Highlights

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to spotlight the incredible opportunities available in our schools for students to explore diverse career paths. 

Federal Way Public Schools offers an impressive array of 83 unique CTE courses that cater to the interests of both middle and high school scholars, providing them with the chance to delve into six distinct CTE Programs of Study. Through these programs, students prepare for their future careers and also earn dual credit and industry-recognized credentials before they even graduate.

As we celebrate CTE Month, it’s essential to recognize the significant role that hands-on learning plays in equipping our scholars for high-demand careers. From robotics and engineering to healthcare, culinary arts, and advanced manufacturing, our CTE courses span a wide range of fields, empowering young people to pursue their passions while developing practical skills. 

With around 5,839 students currently enrolled in CTE courses, these programs are vital in preparing our students for success in the ever-evolving job market. Join us in recognizing the value of Career and Technical Education this month!

STEM Art at TAF@Saghalie

Students in the STEM Art course at TAF@Saghalie are creating giant papier-mâché heads based on characters of their choosing.

Working in groups, the scholars begin by constructing a base for their heads using cardboard and recycled materials. They then apply plaster to solidify the structure before moving on to the artistic phases of painting and designing, transforming their creations to resemble the characters they have selected.

STEM Art is a one-semester Career and Technical Education (CTE) course available for seventh and eighth graders at TAF@Saghalie. This foundational art course allows students to explore various visual art forms and techniques in relation to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Throughout the course, students are introduced to artists who incorporate STEM in their work, and they emulate these STEM-related artists as they apply the principles of design in their projects.

“This class is teaching me different ways to do art,” said seventh-grader Taylor.

“I really like it; it’s really fun. We get to try a lot of new experiences that I’ve never done before,” shared fellow seventh grader Anisha.

The STEM Art course is a valuable part of the CTE offerings at the middle school level, aligning with the Skilled and Technical Sciences Program of Study. This program prepares students for potential careers in fields such as architecture, construction, the arts, manufacturing, and more.

Mock Trial at the Federal Way High School Courtroom

Ninth graders in Justin Tyree’s Business Law class at Federal Way High School transformed their classroom into a courtroom for a mock criminal trial, where they took on roles like judge, defendant, prosecutor, defense attorney, and jury members.

"Members of the jury, you are to decide this case solely on the evidence presented here in the courtroom," Judge, and FWHS student Mone reminded everyone as the trial began.

This engaging project is part of the Court Systems unit, helping students understand essential legal concepts that are relevant to their lives. From ethics to family law and contracts, they explored a wide range of topics.

The Business Law course is an integral part of the FWPS CTE Business and Marketing Program, offering students a diverse range of courses across our four comprehensive high schools, covering areas such as Information Technology, Arts, Technology and Communication, Business Management and Administration, Law and Public Safety, and Marketing.

Simulated Stock Investment Project at Thomas Jefferson High School

Thomas Jefferson High School scholars from the Personal Finance class, part of the CTE Business and Marketing Program of Study led by Nathan Ahkiong, recently presented the results of their investment projects.

In this engaging initiative, students were allocated a simulated budget of $100,000 to invest in various stocks. They conducted thorough research to justify their investment choices, detailing their entry and exit strategies and evaluating their profitability. While the funds were not real, the experience mirrored real-life trading scenarios, as the scholars analyzed actual stock prices in the market.

This project was instrumental in helping students grasp essential investment strategies, understand profit and loss dynamics, and familiarize themselves with concepts such as shares, market capitalization, and market fluctuations.

“It was a significant learning curve. Although we had learned a lot about stocks previously, I didn’t fully understand many concepts until we actually worked with the stock market,” shared student Marelly.

“We learned a lot of valuable terms, such as shares and market cap, and gained insights into what stocks really are. This knowledge will be incredibly helpful for all of us in our lives after high school,” added TJHS senior Jason.

The CTE Business and Marketing Program of Study provides a diverse range of courses across our four comprehensive high schools, covering areas such as Information Technology, Arts, Technology and Communication, Business Management and Administration, Law and Public Safety, and Marketing.

High School Scholars Gain Real-Life Teaching Experience

Todd Beamer High School students enrolled in the Teacher Academy course visit elementary and middle schools in our district, including Sequoyah Middle School, where they engage with students and gain valuable hands-on experience as future educators.

This course is a vital component of the FWPS CTE Family and Consumer Sciences Program of Study. It offers juniors and seniors in our comprehensive high schools the opportunity to explore preschool, elementary, and middle school environments, developing their teaching skills through a practicum with a mentor teacher. 

“I enjoy working with children, and this might be a path I want to pursue,” said Chase, a senior at Todd Beamer High School participating in the Teacher Academy class led by Tiffany Christofferson.

Eighth grader Karime from Sequoyah Middle School expressed her gratitude for the support she receives from the Teacher Academy students. She mentioned that their assistance helps her grasp topics more effectively and has inspired her to consider a future as a teacher to support other kids.

Through this program, students hone their presentation skills and learn various strategies for effective collaboration. They are also encouraged to return to FWPS after earning their teaching certificates, with a guaranteed interview for any applicable teaching position.

In addition to Teacher Academy, courses such as American Sign Language, Family Psychology and Health, and culinary arts, are part of the Family & Consumer Sciences Career and Technical Education Program of Study available at our four comprehensive high schools. This program allows students to explore critical aspects of human growth and development from prenatal stages to age eight, while also addressing important factors like nutrition, safety, guidance, discipline, and child abuse that influence children's lives.

Culinary Students Acquire Skills Beyond Cooking

In the ProStart Culinary Foods course at TJHS, under the guidance of teacher Jade Adams, students are honing their culinary skills by making delicious chopped sandwiches. This comprehensive program not only focuses on cooking techniques but also covers essential kitchen management, precise measuring, safety, and sanitation practices. Through hands-on catering experiences, students can earn their food handler’s card and accumulate three college credits.

During the first semester, the class explored a variety of culinary creations, including cupcakes, pizza, sweet potato pies, and much more.

“We're learning a lot about cooking and how to be safe in the kitchen in general,” said senior Timothy. “In here, we can make actual small meals that are not only fun but also nutritious.”

Students can take Culinary Arts, and ProStart Culinary One and Two, which allows them to graduate high school with nine college credits! 

These courses, offered through the Family & Consumer Sciences Career and Technical Education Program of Study available at our four comprehensive high schools, help scholars delve into analyzing human growth principles from prenatal stages to eight years old, while also studying factors like nutrition, safety, guidance, discipline, and child abuse that impact children. 

Cutting-Edge Technology for Health Sciences Students

Todd Beamer High School scholars enrolled in the CTE Health Sciences Program of Study are embracing cutting-edge technology with the newly acquired ZSpace 3D computers, made possible through the dedicated efforts of the FWPS Career and Technical Education division.

Over the summer, before the current school year began, teacher Cody Burton revamped the biomedical science curriculum to incorporate this immersive tool. This enhancement provides students with hands-on virtual experiences that deepen their understanding of complex biological concepts.

Students in the following courses have already begun utilizing this innovative 3D technology:

• Freshmen in the Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS): Students conducted a virtual heart dissection using the Vived Science application, allowing them to explore anatomy in a detailed and interactive manner.
• Medical Interventions Class: This class engaged in virtual dissections of bacteria and viruses, gaining intricate insights into these microorganisms and their structures.
• Biomedical Innovations for Seniors: Scholars focused on veins and arteries to complement their ongoing hospital and ER design projects, seamlessly linking virtual practice to real-world applications.

These applications of 3D technology enable students to explore the sciences in ways that were previously unavailable, fostering curiosity and preparing them for careers in health science fields.

Rayhan, a senior in the Biomedical Innovations class, expressed, “This class helps me learn more about biology and the human body. It has guided me, along with Mr. Burton, in deciding what I want to do after high school.” He is considering a career in the pharmaceutical field.

Another student, Leo, shared his aspirations, saying, “I want to be an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), and this class gives me a deep understanding of the medical field. We have amazing opportunities, especially with these 3D dissection devices. They provide a great glimpse into what we might access in the future.”

Rayhan also praised the new technology, adding, “It’s cool! It feels like I’m really there!”

Tristan, a fellow senior with ambitions of becoming a dentist, noted, “I’m trying to learn more about biomed and chemistry to enhance my future. Mr. Burton has set me up with a ‘dentist’ program to gain more knowledge about the health fields.”

Another student, an aspiring forensic pathologist, remarked that these courses are instrumental in shaping her career plans, stating, “They’re helping me a lot, giving me a broader perspective on what science means to me. This is the knowledge you want to acquire, especially for future nurses, doctors, and anyone interested in the medical field.”

Other courses within The Health Sciences Program include Introduction to Health Careers, Human Body Systems, and Sports Medicine, offering students hands-on opportunities to pursue careers in medical and health services, such as anesthesiologists, physicians, and biotech lab technicians.

Engineering Fundamentals at FWPA

In the Project Lead the Way Engineering Essentials class at FWPA with Mr. Scott, ninth and tenth graders recently engaged in an enlightening lesson on Anatomical Mechanisms. Working collaboratively in small groups, students utilized goniometers to gather data on the range of motion of the human elbow joint. 

Following this, they analyzed their findings to determine the optimal range of motion for a model elbow, using components from Vex Robotics kits to construct their designs.

This year-long course equips students with fundamental engineering concepts, familiarizing them with modern tools that enhance our daily lives. Scholars gain hands-on experience with 3-D solid modeling software, prototyping equipment, and geographic information systems, preparing them for future endeavors in engineering.

Tenth grader Danielle shared her enthusiasm for the course, saying, “This class allows you to explore your creativity. We work on hands-on projects and actually create something. We learn why engineering principles are important and how they help us make quality products. I find it interesting because if I pursue a career in engineering, these principles will follow me throughout my life.”

Engineering Essentials, alongside courses like Aerospace Engineering and Robotics, plays a vital role in the CTE STEM Program of Study. This program provides students with practical learning experiences that prepare them for successful careers in STEM fields.

Flying 737s at Kilo Middle School

The Project Lead the Way Flight and Space course at Kilo Middle School led by Mr. Steele opens a world of opportunities for students, sparking their interest in aviation and space exploration.

In this innovative course, second-year Flight and Space scholars are using flight simulators to pilot a range of aircraft, from 737s to military planes, and even smaller planes. As a culminating project for the semester, students are crafting an Instruction Manual to guide their first-year peers who will take the course next semester.

“We have to work on these instructions now, so that when the new students join us next semester, they know exactly what to do,” said Carlos, an eighth-grade student taking the course.

Eighth grader Alexis expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I know they have similar simulators at the Museum of Flight, but having this opportunity at my middle school is incredible. I feel like it's a great opportunity for people to discover careers.” 

Her passion for flying has grown through the class, leading her to dream of becoming a pilot. “I’ve discovered that I can be a pilot and not crash,” she added with a smile.

Throughout the course, students take on the roles of engineers, designing, prototyping, and testing models to understand the science of flight and what it takes to explore and live in space. They tackle real-world challenges related to aviation and space travel, even planning a mission to Mars. As part of their project, students will design and build a prototype of an aircraft and create a flight plan based on a specific challenge scenario. 

This hands-on, collaborative approach not only enhances their understanding of aviation and space but also fosters teamwork and problem-solving skills, preparing them for future careers in these exciting fields.