In today’s world, education is advancing beyond books and the traditional classrooms. Leading these changes are Career Technical Education (CTE) classes, hands-on programs providing students the opportunity to get a start on their futures. At North Hollywood High School, courses such as Animal Science, Auto Shop and Woodshop aren’t just electives, but more, a step into their future success. 

According to education-focused lawyer and professor Christine Fairbanks, students enrolled in CTE classes have a higher graduation rate than those who aren’t taking any. “The graduation rate is 97% (96.8% to be exact). The statewide graduation rate is 88%, so students pursuing CTE are significantly more likely to graduate than their counterparts” Fairbanks explains.

These courses help and provide students with technical skills that can lead directly into a career. These courses serve as a strong foundation for higher education or direct entry into the workforce, whether students are working with animals, building with wood or fixing engines, students are learning by doing it themselves, an indispensable experience.

Here in the Animal Science class offered, students feed and take care of their chosen animals, simultaneously learning about agricultural sciences and veterinary skills. This class upholds a lot of responsibility, preparing students for careers in veterinary medicine, farming, or any type of career involving animals. Not to mention, North Hollywood High is one of the few schools that offer this class, since we have animals on campus. 

Thanks to this class it has enabled senior Joanna Fujarte to be inspired to explore a broader range of career alternatives. “When I was younger I always loved working with animals and I always considered working with animals…I have considered other different careers. But this one time the veterinarian came and did an ultrasound on one of the alpacas to make sure if they were pregnant or not and that really interested me, an ultrasound technician for either persons or animals.”

Additionally, junior Gisselle Leon Portillo expresses the deep camaraderie in this class, “Everyone is very passionate about animals and you can tell that there’s a deep connection with everyone in the class.”

The Animal Science teacher Mr. Lapore emphasizes the importance of understanding animals and wants his students to take in the animals’ feelings as well. “Animals are just like humans, they have feelings, they have emotions. So if a student can understand how to handle an animal and take care of them, that’d be the best overall learning experience,” he emphasizes. 

His students not only learn about animals and their care but also acquire valuable skills such as time management, teamwork, and commitment. 

Moreover, Mr. Lapore believes that animal health is the most important part of his class.  “Animal health is very in depth. 
It’s a bit more in depth than human health because there’s so many new diseases and issues coming up with animals, but overall, if they can understand the health of an animal and being able to take care of the animal, they’re learning a new concept,” he remarks. 

Similarly in the Auto Shop class offered on campus, students are able to learn the basic maintenance in diagnosing car troubles. Nevertheless, they gain hands-on experiences that set them up for pathways in the automotive sector. Meanwhile developing technical skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. 

This course isn’t like any other ordinary course, but more of a hands-on class. “We get to do hands-on activities like change oil or take off the tires of the cars…We do everything like tire rotations, alignments, and change the brake pads,” freshman Isaiah Garcia states. He even has had the opportunity to attend a field trip, where job opportunities flourished- “We had a field trip to the city worker mechanic area and I applied for a job and they got back to me” Garcia remarks, demonstrating the opportunities given by these courses.

Woodshop being another pathway, one coalescing creativity with construction. Under the teaching of Mr. Harris, students craft furniture, learn safety with tools and craft projects. “We go around the classroom and we do projects, like building houses. 
We recently just built a cutting board, which is a very fun experience, you know. We got to see the process in everything,” junior Angela Cortes shares. 

Day by day, Cortes is able to depend more on herself due to this class. “It helps me build stuff of home that helps me fix stuff at home that is broken…It helped me discover that I really like building stuff and that, like, it can help me in the future.” 

Overall CTE classes don’t just give students basic skills, but they give them a purpose. Whether students want to pursue college degrees, head into the workforce, or even trade school, courses such as these provide guidance for them. 

CTE classes are more than just electives, they are stepping stones to meaningful careers. Courses that are a step into the right direction, a successful future. As the demand for skilled and adaptable workers grows, these programs empower students with practical knowledge, confidence, and direction becoming vital. Whether they’re fixing cars, caring for animals, or building something from scratch, students are gaining skills that will shape their futures.