taking classes that count toward a degree.” The Academy’s dual focus—academic and technical— gives students multiple avenues to success. “Some of our kids finish their freshman and sophomore years of college before graduation,” Alvarado explains. “Others earn industry-based certifications in welding, dental assistance, patient care, or auto mechanics. Either way, they’re walking out of high school workforce-ready or university-bound.” VanMatre adds, “Before Warpath, we had about 60 kids taking concurrent enrollment. Now, we’ve maxed out our partners’ capacity. It’s a great problem to have.” CAREER TECH AT THE CORE TMISD’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, funded through the district’s recent $100 million bond, represents one of the most ambitious investments in student opportunity in South Texas. “Our welding program became the catalyst,”Alvarado says. “We had kids lined up to get in and had to turn some away because we didn’t have space. That wasn’t acceptable. Welding is a high-demand, highwage career in our region, and our students deserve access.” The new facility doubles the district’s welding capacity, introduces an industrial mechanics program, and upgrades labs for medical, cosmetology, and agricultural science. “We were retrofitting 1980s classrooms to meet modern industry standards,” Alvarado says. “Now we’re building facilities that match the workforce our students are entering.” TMISD’s programs align closely with local economic strengths, from petrochemical manufacturing and energy production to healthcare and agriculture.The district is also exploring new partnerships with the Port of Corpus Christi, the largest energy export port in the world.“We’re just 15 minutes away,”VanMatre notes.“It’s the perfect opportunity for internships and apprenticeships that could change students’ lives.” COMMUNITY TRUST AND SHARED VISION For VanMatre, everything starts with trust. “It’s our most precious commodity,” he says.“If you lose trust 374 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx