#CareerTechnicalEducation

Classrooms2Careers: Constitution Day

September 22, 2026 By VANESSA PRATTI

Criminal Justice Program students from Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, Fort Pierce Central High School, St. Lucie West Centennial High School, and Treasure Coast High School had a unique opportunity to celebrate Constitution Day through an engaging, hands-on mock trial experience at the St. Lucie County Courthouse. Working alongside judges, attorneys, court staff, law enforcement personnel, and community volunteers, students explored the landmark case Elonis v. United States and examined how constitutional rights apply to modern social media communication. The morning began with civility and courtroom procedure activities before students took on the roles of attorneys and jurors. Guided by volunteer attorney … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: FPUA Youth Career Event

September 22, 2026 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from St. Lucie Public Schools joined youth from across the community at the annual Youth Career Event hosted by Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA). The event provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the many careers that support utility operations while connecting directly with industry professionals. Representatives from multiple FPUA departments showcased a variety of career pathways and shared information about the education, certifications, internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training that helped shape their careers. Students participated in hands-on activities, live demonstrations, interactive games, and guided tours of the wastewater treatment facility, gaining firsthand insight into the utility industry … Read More

Career and Technical Education Pre-Service Week

August 17, 2026 By VANESSA PRATTI

As we kick off a new school year, our Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers came together for an engaging and inspiring Pre-Service Week focused on collaboration, professional growth, and student success! The CTE Department welcomed teachers back and shared important updates, priorities, and opportunities for the year ahead. Teachers also had the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom through site visits at unique community locations. Middle School and K-8 CTE teachers participated in professional learning experiences at Sky Zone, while High School CTE teachers gathered at Keiser University in Tradition. Each group toured facilities and explored programs relevant to career … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: City of Port St. Lucie – PATH Internship

August 10, 2026 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The City of Port St. Lucie proudly welcomed its first cohort of summer interns through the PATH Internship Program, providing local students with valuable hands-on career experience. Of the six participating interns, four were St. Lucie Public Schools students, and five will attend an SLPS school during the 2026-2027 school year. During the PATH Internship Celebration, students showcased their summer experiences through professional poster presentations, sharing the skills, knowledge, and insights they gained while working alongside city departments. The event was attended by city and county leaders, community members, and St. Lucie Public Schools district personnel, Executive leadership, and Board … Read More

Allapattah Flats K-8 FFA Celebrates a Year of Excellence

June 1, 2026 By DRU THOMPSON

Allapattah Flats K-8 is proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of its FFA program during the 2025–2026 school year. Demonstrating excellence in leadership, agricultural education, and student development, the chapter has earned top honors across multiple competitions at the district, county, and state levels. Student members showcased exceptional performance in Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs/LDEs), livestock exhibitions, and public speaking. Highlights of the 2025–2026 School Year Include: · 1st Place – Preliminary Opening/Closing Ceremonies (2025–2026 Officer Team) · Market Steer Proficiency Finalist – Top 4 in Florida (Annabelle A.) · 3rd Place Team – Vegetable Evaluation | 4th Place … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: Florida Training Services, Careers

June 1, 2026 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students who graduate from St. Lucie Public Schools have the opportunity to enter Florida Registered Apprenticeship programs and begin rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Recent St. Lucie West Centennial High School graduate, Damaine, is taking advantage of this pathway as he pursues a career in a skilled trade. Florida Training Services (Fort Pierce location) welcomed Damaine and St. Lucie Public Schools Career Coaches for an informative session and facility tour. During the guided tour, participants learned about the wide range of apprenticeship programs available through Florida Training Services and explored career opportunities in high-demand skilled trades. *For high … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: Fire Science Information Session

May 26, 2026 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie West Centennial High School student, Steven, recently participated in a tour and informational session led by Indian River State College’s Director of Fire Science. This experience provided the student with valuable insight into fire science programs while exploring potential career pathways. The visit was made possible through the district’s Classrooms2Careers initiative, which focuses on connecting students to meaningful career exploration and postsecondary opportunities. Students in high school are encouraged to participate in career exploration opportunities to help them make informed decisions for post-high school graduation plans. *For high school students interested in exploring local career pathways or … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: St. Lucie County Utilities, Careers

May 26, 2026 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Career Coaches recently had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into career pathways within the St. Lucie County Utilities Department, including its Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities. The session featured a guided tour and engaging discussions highlighting a variety of careers available to St. Lucie Public Schools graduates. Special thanks to the St. Lucie County team and Jennifer Tomes, Environmental Education and Outreach Manager, for hosting this valuable experience. This partnership equips Career Coaches with current industry knowledge to better support students and fosters meaningful connections between educators and local workforce opportunities—such as field trips, guest speaker presentations, and future … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: Public Defenders Office, Future Lawyers

May 26, 2026 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie Public Schools’ High School students interested in becoming an Attorney or pursuing careers in the legal field participated in an engaging career information session and tour with the Public Defender’s Office. This valuable opportunity was the second session this year. Assistant Public Defender and Felony Division Head Stephen Hooper hosted and arranged for the visit and led an informative session outlining the steps required to become a lawyer. He shared his personal journey to the legal profession and emphasized the importance of career exploration, networking, and effective time‑management skills. Students also learned about internship and volunteer opportunities, including … Read More

Performance Based Preparatory Academy: First Welding Job Before I Graduate High School

May 18, 2026 By KEVIN HOLZAPFEL

On April 30, 2026, the Welding Program went on a field trip to D&D Welding and Fabrication to witness what goes on in a Fabrication shop and get a taste of the real world. Upon arriving at D&D, all the students were given an introduction by the shop’s Safety Manager and CWI Matt Ruben. During the tour, there was one student who stood out of the whole group and continued to ask as many questions as he possibly could. Andrew Guerrero took great interest in everything that was happening at D&D. Andrew took great interest in the fabrication of all … Read More

Students Turnout for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Showcase

April 13, 2026 By Dana Caputo

Students from middle and high schools across St. Lucie County competed in the CTE Showcase. The student projects were focused on entrepreneurship categories which included 3D printed and Welded Fair, Ecommerce Products & Services, New Food Truck Concept, and the middle school entrepreneurship project. The students were dressed to impress, meticulously prepared their presentation boards, and wowed the judges. Thank you to our sponsors, judges, and volunteers: ATax, Certification Partners, Knowledge Pillars, Learning Labs, Heather and Harold Rutledge, Strather Dupree-ATax, Harold Rutledge-Learning Labs, Melissa Hancock, Gina McCants-Sunshine Kitchen, Donna Laudisio-NADDA, Rick Kirk-Texas Roadhouse, Lisa Cobb-Youth Empowered to Prosper, Tom Lange-Knowledge … Read More

Culinary Students at the PSL Citizens Summit

February 16, 2026 By Dana Caputo

Culinary Arts students from Port St. Lucie High School and Northport K-8 cooked and served the community at the PSL Citizens Summit. Northport student creations were fabulous, delicious, and included chocolate-banana parfaits, wild berry parfaits, chicken and waffles, espresso and blueberry donuts, and blueberry waffle cupcakes. While Port St. Lucie High School student dishes were delicious and a huge hit, Chipotle BBQ Chicken, Pickled Red Onion, Queso Fresca, and House Crema tacos. Everything was made in-house from BBQ sauce, pickled onions, to crema. Chef Sassano said, “The students delivered on expectations”. Big thanks to Chef Kevin Sassano and Chef Tiffany … Read More

Culinary Students Compete at the Sunshine Kitchen Cookoff

November 3, 2025 By Dana Caputo

Five outstanding high school culinary arts students competed at the Sunshine Kitchen Cookoff in Fort Pierce. Each high school student was paired with an Indian River State Culinary Institute student to form a team for the event. Each team made Mac N Cheese and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches adding their own spices, flavors, accompaniments, and flair to the recipes. Big thanks to our judges Chef Leslie Moyers, Indian River Estates Assisted Living Facility, Chef Jacques Larson, Crane Club at Tesoro Port St. Lucie, Pam McNair, Chef, Food Service Coordinator, Serve Safe Instructor & Proctor Examiner, Chef Mike Febre, True Roots Catering, … Read More

AquaTree Gardens in the Middle Schools

July 7, 2025 By Paul Lankow

Teachers and students at Manatee Academy, Chester A Moore, Southern Oaks Middle, Northport K-8, and St. Lucie West K8 received their new AquaTree Gardens (the first of it’s kind to be used in Florida schools) using hydroponic technology to grow different types of Microgreens, Proteins, Herbs, and Lefty Greens. The students had the opportunity before the end of the school year to disperse the seeds into the trays and observe the growth of microgreens over a period of a week. After the week of observing, the students were able to harvest the microgreens and create salads for not only them, … Read More

Culinary Students Cook at Cinco de Mayo

July 7, 2025 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie Public Schools Culinary students from Northport K-8, Fort Pierce Westwood High, and Port St. Lucie High prepared a Cinco de Mayo feast for Monarch Country Club members. Students researched the recipes and worked with the head chef to create the menu and ingredient lists. Students prepped and cooked in Monarch’s commercial kitchen, then served their dishes to members and their guests in the dining room. Thank you to Chef James Quade, Samantha Delaski-Membership Director, Chef Tiffany Tredor-Northport K-8, Chef Jeanne Gray-Fort Pierce Westwood, and Chef Kevin Sassano-Port St. Lucie High, for their guidance and dedication to this event.

HCA Assistant Chief Nursing Officer visits FPWA

April 14, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Assistant Chief Nursing Officer Lex Lalicon from HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital recently visited the Nursing Assistant program students at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The W.E.S.T. Prep Magnet (FPWA). The event featured an engaging and informative discussion on setting goals, career paths, and options in the nursing and healthcare industry. Topics covered included planning for post-high school graduation, transitioning to college, and pursuing a career in healthcare. Students learned about the opportunities and benefits of nursing, current employment demands within the healthcare sector, and tuition reimbursement or scholarships available to HCA employees. Additionally, students gained insights into various departments and … Read More

Career & Technical Education Entrepreneurship Showcase

April 7, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department recently hosted middle and high school students from across St. Lucie Public Schools for the CTE Entrepreneurship Showcase. Supported by business alliances, the event featured awards provided by sponsors. Students not only competed but also had the opportunity to network with post-secondary education leaders, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. The focus leading up to and during the showcase was on infusing lessons centered on entrepreneurship, innovation, and providing mentors to support students in developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Winners of the Event: New Food Truck Concept (High School) 1st Place: Treasure Coast High School (Jayanna G., … Read More

SLPS Celebrates Career & Technical Education Month

March 10, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Throughout February, St. Lucie Public Schools proudly celebrated Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. This initiative highlights the importance of K-8, Middle, and High School CTE programs and courses in preparing students for success in furthering their education and careers after high school graduation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ashley Capital for generously sponsoring the CTE shirts, to Xello for professional learning day prizes, and to Certiport for providing ear pod cases. Their support plays a crucial role in celebrating CTE. A special thank you goes out to all the dedicated Career and Technical Education teachers and administrators, supporting … Read More

Training Day for Fort Pierce Central’s EMR Students

March 3, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from Mrs. Applebee’s Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program at Fort Pierce Central High School recently participated in a training day with the St. Lucie County Fire Department. This invaluable experience provided students with the opportunity to complete a variety of educational and simulated training. The training day was packed with a variety of educational activities, including HIPAA Training, CPR/AED skills, a Fire Station Tour, and a Flight Rescue Team presentation. This hands-on experience not only enhanced the students’ practical skills but also inspired many to continue their education in nursing, emergency medical services, therapy, and fire. The collaboration between … Read More

Chart Your Course: Marine & Maritime Career Expo

March 3, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie Public School students recently had the unique opportunity to participate in the Chart Your Course: Marine & Maritime Career Expo. This exciting event was hosted by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation in collaboration with the Career & Technical Education department of St. Lucie Public Schools. It was designed to introduce 8th graders and high school students to the numerous career opportunities within the marine and maritime industries as part of the district’s “Classrooms to Career” initiative. The expo featured a diverse array of industry and business professionals, and post-secondary institutions. A wealth of knowledge through hands-on demonstrations … Read More