Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Spring Branch ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program reached impressive new heights during the 2024–25 school year, continuing to set the standard for student success, workforce readiness, and real-world opportunity.

From growing student achievement and statewide recognition to major facility upgrades and expanded career experiences, CTE in SBISD is building futures—and the numbers prove it.

---

Growing Student Success

More than 12,250 students became CTE concentrators this year—an incredible 48.6% increase over five years. Even more impressively, 2,153 students completed full CTE programs, up 27.1% since 2020–21. These milestones are unlocking more College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) opportunities for students.

CTE students earned 1,317 industry-based certifications, including 301 first-time certifications in fields such as accounting, construction and business—equipping students with real-world credentials before they graduate.

---

Real-World Experiences That Matter

SBISD students logged 21,669 work-based learning hours this year and connected with industry partners more than 17,000 times—through guest speakers, internships, job fairs, field experiences and more.

Standout experiences included:

• 11 CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) teams advancing to state and national competitions

• 8 construction students earning summer internships with Karsten Interior Services

• 3 students participating in the WREDI mental health internship program

• 11 dental assistant students providing dental hygiene education at local elementary schools

---

Statewide Recognition

SBISD was honored as a District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas—a mark of excellence that places the district’s program among the best in the state.

---

Innovative Programs & Teaching Excellence

This year, SBISD launched the first General Employability Lab at Northbrook Middle School, setting the stage for career exploration at earlier ages.

The CTE teaching team also expanded, onboarding 19 new educators and delivering 47 targeted training events to strengthen instruction. Notably, 31 CTE teachers and staff will attend summer conferences—an 82% increase in professional development participation year over year.

Several CTE educators were invited to present at statewide conferences or serve in Texas Education Agency advisory roles—further demonstrating SBISD’s leadership in this space.

---

Facilities, Equipment & Investment

Thanks to strategic investments and community support, CTE continues to grow its footprint:

• $381,704 in equipment upgrades, including virtual reality tools in construction, manufacturing and automotive classes

• New middle school College & Career Labs launched at Spring Woods Middle and Northbrook Middle, with WAIS and Spring Branch Middle installations planned next

• 112 new pieces of equipment for the Ag Science Center, preparing for its opening this school year

• 12 upgraded computer labs across seven campuses, supporting instruction in computer science, engineering, business and digital media

---

Dual Credit, Scholarships & Grants

258 students took advantage of dual credit CTE courses, with two new pathways added in health science and filmmaking in partnership with Houston Community College.

More than $6,000 in scholarships were awarded to CTE students through the generosity of business partners. The district also secured $46,050 in new grants, including three $10,000 awards from Chevron Houston to expand engineering programs at SWHS, SHS and NHS.

The FFA Alumni Auction alone raised more than $500,000—powerful proof of the community’s support for CTE.

---

Programs for ALL

Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) offers career and technical education programs in a wide variety of fields. Admission to these programs is open to all students. SBISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its CTE programs, services, and activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Looking Ahead

Whether your student dreams of being a filmmaker, engineer, dental assistant, entrepreneur or welder, SBISD’s CTE program offers meaningful pathways, real credentials and transformational experiences that lead to success.

Families can learn more and explore opportunities at springbranchisd.com/cte.

#SBISDProud

---

Spring Branch Independent School District offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture Science, Business Education, Family and Consumer Science, Health Occupations, Marketing Education and Trade & Industry Education. Admission to these programs is based on ability, aptitude, need, age, and grade level. It is the policy of Spring Branch Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is the policy of Spring Branch Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Spring Branch Independent School District will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at Karen.Heeth@springbranchisd.com, 713-464-1511, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator at Edwina.Clissa@springbranchisd.com, 713-464-1511. Annual Public Notification of Nondiscrimination (English/Spanish)