Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Spring Branch ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program continues to grow as a cornerstone of the district’s T-2-4 vision—ensuring every student is prepared for a technical school, two- or four-year college, or a career.

With an emphasis on student outcomes, strategic expansion and industry partnerships, SBISD’s CTE program is delivering measurable results in student achievement and workforce readiness.

“This work is central to who we are and where we’re going as a district,” said Christina Rice-Imumwen, director of career and technical education. “It’s about creating real options, meaningful experiences and ensuring every student has the skills they need to thrive.”

Enrollment Growth and Certification Gains

• Middle school CTE enrollment increased 64%, from 1,874 students in 2022–23 to 3,080 in 2024–25.
• High school enrollment remained strong with 6,527 students in 2024–25.
• Guthrie Center enrollment rose from 1,368 to 1,476 students.
• Industry-based certifications increased 25% in one year and have doubled over two years.
• Work-based learning exceeded 34,000 student hours, with more than 4,300 direct industry connections.
• CTE business and industry partnerships grew from 59 in 2021 to 162 in 2024.

“We’ve seen incredible growth at the middle school level thanks to strong counselor advocacy, expanded course offerings and the success of events like Career Discovery Days and Destination Success,” Rice-Imumwen said. “Students are seeing what’s possible earlier, and that’s translating into stronger engagement throughout their academic journey.”

Bond-Funded Facilities Shaping the Future

Thanks to voter approval of the 2022 Bond Program, SBISD is moving forward with two major CTE facility projects:

• The Guthrie Center rebuild – A state-of-the-art hub for advanced CTE, expected to open in phases beginning in 2026.
• Agricultural Science Center renovation – Includes a new greenhouse and enhanced learning spaces for floral, veterinary and plant sciences.

“These aren’t just buildings,” Rice-Imumwen said. “They’re a promise to our students—and a signal of what’s possible when a community invests in its future.”

Looking Ahead: New Courses and Opportunities

In 2025–26, SBISD will launch several new and expanded programs across multiple programs of study:

• Construction – Core courses at all campuses, with advanced instruction and Home Builders Institute (HBI) certifications offered at Guthrie beginning in 2026–27.
• Agricultural – Expanded greenhouse instruction and enterprise experiences in floral and veterinary fields.
• A/V technology and communications – Dual credit Level 1 certification in partnership with Houston Community College.
• Business and marketing – New program of study featuring real estate and marketing.
• Cybersecurity and robotics – Expanded IT offerings and participation in the AP Career Kickstart pilot.
• Education and training – SBISD’s first “Grow Your Own” graduates may be eligible to graduate in May 2025.
• Barbering and cosmetology – New Barbering program launching in 2025–26 with a future student-run salon, coming in 2026-27.
• Hospitality and tourism – Plans underway to open a student-operated bistro in 2026–27.
• Welding and manufacturing – Introductory courses at home campuses; advanced coursework centralized at Guthrie.
• Transportation and logistics – Automotive technology lab to open in 2026–27, followed by a full-service auto center in 2027–28 at the Guthrie Center.

Explore all of SBISD's CTE programs here.

CTE: A Districtwide Commitment

From elementary exploration events to senior job fairs, SBISD’s CTE program provides a vertically aligned, comprehensive experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue a wide range of futures.

“This is more than a curriculum,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Blaine. “It’s about building a future where every student sees themselves as capable, confident and career-ready.”

For more information about CTE in SBISD or the progress of 2022 Bond projects, visit www.springbranchisd.com.