Page 25 - Superintendent Annual Report 24-25

STRENGTHEN CAREER PATHWAYS
FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS AND ADULTS

The Department of Adult & Community Education highlights several significant advancements that support
its mission of providing career-focused educational opportunities for adult learners and out-of-school youth.

The department was awarded a grant from the National Center for Construction Education and Research to
implement integrated education and training programs for English Language Learners and General Education
Diploma (GED) students. With this funding, participants engaged in exploratory training in Heating, Ventilation,
Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) and electrical trades—two high-demand career fields. Upon com-
pleting these programs, offered at Lake Worth Community HS and the Historic Carver Technical Education
Center (formerly Delray Full Service Adult Education Center), students are prepared for entry-level techni-
cian positions, with opportunities to advance further through District-registered apprenticeship programs.
Collaboration among the Department of Adult & Community Education, the Department of Choice & Career
Options, and higher education institutions signifies a strategic alignment that broadens career pathways across
the District.

For out-of-school youth, the District received funding through the Graduation Alternative to Traditional
Education (GATE) grant. GATE funding supported training for students at West Technical Education Center in
Electronic Systems Technology and Commercial Driver’s License programs, both recognized as high-demand
fields that provide immediate entry into the workforce with a strong earning potential.

These collective efforts demonstrate a steadfast commitment to providing workforce-aligned, accessible
programs that benefit our students and respond to the evolving needs of local employers and the broader
community.

DRIVING EXCELLENCE THROUGH ACCREDITATION

The Department of Adult & Community Education continues to progress with accrediting its technical
education programs. The West Technical Education Center and Chuck Shaw Technical Education Center hold
accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education (COE). The Historic Carver Technical Education
Center will initiate the COE accreditation process in FY26.

In FY25, the department earned accreditation through the National Center for Construction Education and
Research (NCCER). The NCCER credential accredited the construction labs at West Technical Education
Center, Lake Worth Community HS, and Historic Carver Technical Education Center. Additionally, the
NCCER accreditation granted the department the authority to train and certify instructors in all
construction-related programs, ensuring a higher level of instructional quality and consistency across our
District’s Career & Technical Education offerings.

EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE 25