Career and Technical Education

Dallas ISD CTE, in partnership with Hilltop Holdings and the Dallas Education Foundation, celebrated the 5th year of the Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge—an initiative designed to cultivate student innovation and business acumen.

Finalists presented their business ideas to a panel of industry professionals from Hilltop Holdings, demonstrating concepts developed through months of preparation, mentorship, and refinement. Their work highlighted creativity, professionalism, and entrepreneurial thinking across product development, branding, and strategy.

This work would not have been possible without the dedication of CTE teachers, whose guidance, coaching, and commitment played a critical role in preparing students for this moment. Their efforts ensured students were equipped with the skills and confidence to perform at a high level.

The success of the event reflected the collective effort of educators, mentors, and judges, resulting in a powerful display of emerging talent ready for the next level.

The Hilltop Entrepreneurship Gala brought the student experience full circle, recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of finalists and winners. The event highlighted the innovation, resilience, and hard work demonstrated by students throughout the competition.

Winners were announced and honored for their exceptional ideas and execution, earning the opportunity to advance to the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase. There, they will represent Dallas ISD while competing for top honors, cash prizes, and a chance to advance to the global competition in New York City this fall.

The celebration also recognized the impact of educators and mentors who poured time, expertise, and support into their students, helping bring their ideas to life and guiding them through every stage of the process.

Join us in congratulating the following students:

• Edwin Ramirez & Anthony Lopez - Bryan Adams High School
• Gizelle Terrones - Career Institute North
• Jonathan DeLuna - Sunset High School
• Walter Perdomo - Adelio Williams Career Institute East
• Italy Castelan - Career Institute North
• Yaretzi Perea - Career Institute North
• Alberto Nava & Triniti Childress - Charmaine & Robert Price Career Institute South
• Carlos Arnez - Career Institute North

• Karla Cardona - Career Institute North
• Maurio Hood - South Oak Cliff High School
• Montserrat Marquez & Natasha Martinez - Career Institute North
• Danica Salazar - Career Institute North
• Zorielle Brown & Aiyana Horruntinier - North Dallas High School
• Yaretzi Romero - North Dallas High School
• Leslie Salazar - Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management
• Robert Martinez - Seagoville High School
  
  

• Hilltop Challenge Design: Kevin Hernandez - Skyline High School
• Hilltop Gala Design: Joslyn Jones - Seagoville High School
• Dallas ISD STEM Expo Design: Frank Espinoza & Adriana Villegas - Skyline High School
• CTE Teacher Night Design: Evelyn Quevedo Navarrete - Seagoville High School
• Middle School Showcase Design: Genesis Arriaga & Maritza Posada Sanchez - Skyline High School

Career Connected Learning opportunities continue to provide students with authentic, real-world experiences as they applied their skills at high-profile events for real clients.

Graphic Design students from Skyline and Seagoville led the branding and event collateral for both the Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge and Hilltop Gala, delivering professional-level execution. Agriculture students from Skyline designed and installed stunning balloon arches and floral arrangements, enhancing the overall event experience.

Meanwhile, Hospitality and Tourism students from Kimball and Conrad High School executed a full plated dining service for over 250 guests at the annual Hilltop Gala—delivering an upscale, restaurant-quality experience that showcased their training, precision, and professionalism.

Special thanks to teachers Chef Coleman (Conrad High School), Zene Appiah-Amaning (Kimball High School), Alisha Jones (Kimball High School), Martese Henry (Kimball High School), Shawn Coyle (Skyline High School), Travis Ballard (Skyline High School), and Teresa Carrasco (Seagoville High School) for their mentorship, guidance, and dedication in preparing students for these real-world opportunities.

As part of the NCLA Women in CTE Leadership Summit, Dallas ISD welcomed CTE leaders from across the country for a two-day experience centered on career-connected learning in action. On the second day, attendees visited Career Institute North, where they experienced firsthand how Dallas ISD brings CTE programming to life.

The visit highlighted how students are actively engaged in real-world learning experiences across programs. Culinary Arts students from Career Institute North and Thomas Jefferson High School operated the Curbside Delights food truck, delivering a professional, industry-aligned service experience. In addition, students and teachers participated in a panel discussion, where students shared how their CTE experiences are building their skills, confidence, and future pathways.

The summit also featured strong participation from industry partners, including iCEV, Pathful Inc., NAF, Intuit, and Dallas Education Foundation (DEF), reinforcing the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful, real-world opportunities for students.

Overall, the experience provided a clear view into how Dallas ISD CTE programs are equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for success beyond the classroom.

Senior Hiring Day at Adelio Williams Career Institute East was nothing short of inspiring. Seniors arrived prepared, confident, and ready to step into their futures, engaging in real-world interviews with valued industry partners. Throughout the day, students navigated conversations, showcased their skills, and demonstrated a high level of professionalism and poise.

Feedback from partners was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the strength, potential, and talent being cultivated across Career Institute East. Teachers shared in the moment with pride as they watched their students rise to the occasion and represent their programs with excellence.

A special thank you to our industry partners for making this experience possible:
Excell Electric, MC Dean, Dallas ISD Education Technology, Dallas ISD Construction Services, City of Dallas Water, Code & Compliance, Parks & Recreation, Versa Printing, Parkland Hospital, Dallas College, IEC Dallas, Starks Technology, Triumph, and Texas State Technical College.

Together, these partnerships continue to create meaningful pathways to success, connecting students to real opportunities and helping shape the future workforce of Dallas.

Students from the Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center continue to demonstrate excellence through their participation in the CREW Dallas Commercial Real Estate Competition.

Three Real Estate seniors— Jennifer Peraza, Gabriela Lopez, and Emily Urbina Hernandez—were part of the team that earned 1st place at the October competition, showcasing their knowledge, collaboration, and industry-ready skills.

In addition to their team success, each student was selected to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the CREW in the Community Education Scholarship, awarded by the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT). This recognition highlights both their academic achievement and outstanding performance.

Congratulations to these outstanding students on this well-deserved recognition!

The Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center recently hosted its Golden Reunion Weekend on March 27–28, 2026, bringing together alumni, students, and stakeholders to celebrate the school’s legacy and continued impact.

A highlight of the weekend was the Senior-Alumni Networking Lunch, which was planned, developed, and executed by seniors in the Management/Entrepreneurship Pathway. Hosted in the Enterprise Business District (EBD)—a student-run business improvement district—the event showcased career-connected learning in action. Practicum students operate “The Shops at Enterprise,” featuring business centers, startup ventures, nonprofit organizations, and more.

The EBD also serves as a dynamic hub, housing spaces such as the KSBM radio station, College Career Center, Café Connection, CTSO areas, and the Asian Cultural Center, all contributing to a vibrant environment of academic and entrepreneurial activity.

Throughout the event, business seniors led guided tours for alumni, creating opportunities for meaningful connections, storytelling, and engagement across generations. The weekend concluded with a student-led convocation and alumni panel, highlighting the school’s rich history, lasting impact, and vision for the future.

The success of the event reinforces the goal of establishing the Golden Reunion Weekend as an annual tradition, celebrating the individuals and experiences that continue to shape its legacy.

Students from Career Institute North and Charmaine & Robert Price Career Institute South recently participated in a site visit to UT Dallas, where they engaged in an immersive, hands-on learning experience aligned to their Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program.

During the visit, students worked alongside campus first responders, participating in real-world scenarios that allowed them to practice patient assessment and emergency response skills. These experiences provided valuable insight into both the medical field and the expectations of postsecondary training.

In addition to skill-building, students had the opportunity to experience college life firsthand by dining in a university dining hall, further connecting their current learning to future pathways. Students from CI South also participated in a campus tour, gaining a broader perspective of the university environment.

Overall, the visit provided a meaningful blend of career exploration and real-world application, leaving students engaged, motivated, and excited about future opportunities in the healthcare field.

Special thanks to Sheila Elliott, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director, for her leadership and support in making this experience possible.

Students from Skyline High School’s Academy of Health Science (AOHS) recently led a successful Community Health Fair, showcasing student leadership, hands-on learning, and community engagement.

In partnership with the Black Heart Association, the event provided free health screenings and preventive health education to students, families, and staff, with a focus on early detection and overall health awareness.

AOHS students played a central role throughout the event, leading educational presentations and interactive health stations. Under faculty guidance, students conducted heart monitoring demonstrations, CPR instruction, blood glucose testing, BMI assessments, and blood pressure screenings, applying their classroom knowledge in a real-world healthcare setting.

The event also included support from the Skyline Library, which hosted a book giveaway, reinforcing the connection between literacy, education, and wellness.

Led by Keona D. Lambert and supported by 9th and 10th grade AOHS students, the Health Fair served as both a community service initiative and a career-connected learning experience, giving students valuable exposure to public health, patient interaction, and healthcare careers.

Tax Prep Flyer

Tax Prep Flyer (Spanish)

Be sure to upload documentation for all students who pass. A step-by-step guide is available on the EduThings one-pager.

Teachers, don’t forget to check the Dallas ISD CTE Certification Center website regularly! The site is your go-to resource for the latest tools and resources related to industry-based certifications.

Get ready to elevate your classroom! This summer, Dallas ISD CTE is hosting a dynamic professional development series designed to bridge the gap between education and the evolving Dallas economy.

Attendance Requirements

To meet your professional development goals, all educators must complete 14 total hours (two full days).

• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (includes a one-hour lunch)

• Requirement: You must attend one Day 1 session and any Day 2 session.

Session Highlights

Day 1: Strategic Vision & Labor Trends

Kick off the summer with a "State of CTE" address focused on future-ready goals. Highlights include: Labor Market Insights: Expert analysis of high-demand industries and wage trends to inform your pathway development.Collaborative Pedagogy: Strategies for cooperative learning to help students master technical skills.

Day 2: Classroom Innovation & Tools

Day 2 shifts the focus to high-engagement instructional strategies: Project-Based Learning: Designing industry-aligned challenges that mirror real-world problems. IBC Integration: Ensuring curriculum aligns vertically with high-value Industry-Based Certifications. Tech & AI: Exploring AI for personalized learning and utilizing VR/mobile labs in Health Science and Engineering. Internship Expansion: Bridging the classroom-to-workforce gap through high-quality work-based learning.

We look forward to seeing you there as we work together to prepare our students for high-wage, high-demand careers!

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