Students in Northside’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs spend much of their time learning through a hands-on approach that prepares students for occupations and further study. CTE programs are available in middle school and high school and are available in many career areas of interest to students. Students interested in a particular field can look at the coherent sequence of courses to see the courses that will help them prepare for their chosen careers. Students may also wish to choose an academy or magnet school designed to prepare students for careers. Northside’s career oriented high schools and middle school magnet schools include Agriculture Academy, Construction Careers Academy, Health Careers High School, Jay Science and Engineering Academy, Jones STEM Middle School, Marshall Law & Medical Services High School, NSITE (Northside School of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship), and Zachry Global Communication, Information Technology & Cybersecurity Middle School. Industry recognized certifications may be earned in some courses & some courses may even allow the students to earn college credit. Any student who is interested should talk with his or her CTE instructor or counselor.
Career Exploration
All secondary students can access their Choices360 account through their NISD Portal. Choices360 helps students and families with career and post secondary planning. Included within Choices360 are tools for career and college exploration.
College Credit Opportunities
High school students can earn college credits by signing up for CTE dual credit. Some courses are offered at specific campuses and others are offered at the college campus. Information about earning college credits may be obtained from the school’s counseling department.
Programs of Study
In support of the State of Texas’ college and career planning initiative, NISD has developed multiple Programs of Study (POS) which combine rigorous academics and relevant career and technical education to create a plan of study that has real focus and purpose for students. A POS consists of a recommended coherent sequence of courses based on the student’s interest, skills, and college and career goals and provides the student and his/her family with a seamless transition to employment and/or postsecondary education and to higher wage, higher skill, and higher demand jobs in the workforce.
Industry Based Certifications
Northside offers students many opportunities to earn current industry based certifications through our CTE courses. These certifications will help students, as they exit high school, with gainful employment or assist in continuing their education.
Magnet Programs
Northside offers 8 high school and 3 middle school magnet programs for students interested in specific career fields. All high school magnet schools (except for Health Careers High School) operate as a school-within-a-school, which allows students to participate in Fine Arts programs like band, choir and orchestra, sports, and clubs and organizations on their comprehensive high school’s campus. All Northside eighth graders are eligible for enrollment. Applications are also being accepted for students outside Northside ISD. Please check with individual programs for application and age requirements. Enrollment is limited at each school. Transportation will be provided for eligible students.
Staff Contacts
Contact information for the NISD Career & Technical Education department staff can be found here.
Student Organizations for CTE
Career and Technical Student Organizations are comprised of 11 not-for-profit organizations, specifically authorized by the U.S. Congress in the Perkins Act which provides approximately $1.1 billion in state grants for CTE programs.
Northside Independent School District offers Career and Technical Education programs in Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, A/V Technology and Communications; Business Marketing and Finance; Education and Training; Health Science; Hospitality & Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law and Public Service; Manufacturing; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics. Admission to these programs is based on interest and aptitude, age appropriateness and class space available.
It is the policy of Northside Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Northside Independent School District will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Stephen Daniel, at 5900 Evers Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, (210) 397-8639, and/or Director of Section 504 Joselyn Dudney at 5651 Grissom Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, (21 0) 397-8741.
El Distrito Escolar Independiente Northside ofrece programas de educación de carrera técnica en agricultura, alimentación y recursos naturales; arquitectura y construcción; artes, tecnología A/V y comunicaciones; marketing y finanzas empresariales; educación y capacitación; ciencias de la salud; hotelería y turismo; servicios humanos; tecnología informática; derecho y servicios públicos; fabricación; ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas; y transporte, distribución y logística. La admisión a estos programas se basa en el interés y la aptitud, la edecuación a la edad y el espacio disponible de la clase.
La política del Distrito Escolar Independiente Northside es no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o discapacidad en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales, y proporcionar acceso equitativo a los Boy Scouts y a otros grupos juveniles designados tal como exige el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles (Civil Rights Act) de 1964 y sus enmiendas, el Título IX de las Enmiendas Educativas (Education Amendments) de 1972 y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación (Rehabilitation Act) de 1973 y sus enmiendas.
El Distrito Escolar Independiente Northside tomará medidas para asegurar que la falta de habilidades en el idioma inglés no sea una barrera para la admisión y la participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales. Para obtener información sobre sus derechos o los procedimientos de queja, comuníquese con el coordinador del Título IX, Stephen Daniel, en 5900 Evers Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, (210) 397-8639 o con la directora de la Sección 504 Joselyn Dudney en 5651 Grissom Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, (21 0) 397-8741.
The Graphic Design and Multimedia Arts program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program of study may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories, and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED: Adobe Certified Associate - Adobe Animate CC
CONTACT: sylvia.fernandez@nisd.net
The Digital Communications program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with the production of audio and visual media formats including TV broadcasting, advertising, video production, or motion pictures. This program of study may also include exploration into operating equipment to record sounds and images, such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED: Adobe Certified Associate - Adobe Premiere Pro CC
CONTACT: richard.dwyer@nisd.net
LEARN MORE: Student Short Film Sample
WEBSITES: AV Production Gallery | Digital Media Gallery
Whether you are looking to become a master automotive technician or you just want to learn a little about your own car, check out the Harlan Automotive program. Students of all skill levels will learn through hands-on experience with equipment found in modern repair facilities. Through the four-year strand, you will learn everything from maintenance and tools to major repairs and diagnostic skills. Students can also earn industry certifications such as A.S.E., O.S.H.A., AllData C.A.I.S., and several others, delivering skills that can lead to a secure job in the industry.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED: A.S.E., O.S.H.A., AllData C.A.I.S. and more.
CONTACT: mark.becker@nisd.net
LEARN MORE: Automotive Video
Business Management is a program that offers students the opportunity to learn and explore a variety of topics in the business field. Students are exposed to concepts such as marketing, finance, and management. Through various projects, students will practice skills such as planning, communication, presentation and collaboration. They will discuss and incorporate key employability skills critical to success in the workplace. Business Professionals of America (BPA) will offer students an opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills by competing in the premier Career and Technical Student Organization.
CONTACT: paul.cuellar@nisd.net
LEARN MORE: Business Management Video
The Carpentry program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities related to constructing, installing, or repairing structures and fixtures made of wood, such as concrete forms (including frameworks, partitions, joists, studding, rafters, and stairways). This program of study may also include exploration into installing, dismantling, or moving machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED: OSHA 10 certification & Jobsite Safety
CONTACT: michael.byrnes@nisd.net
LEARN MORE: Construction Video
Harlan Construction students teamed up with AVID to help ALE students experience building in the wood shop. Every ALE student was given a project to build. Students aided in the construction of the project and each ALE student got to add stickers and take the project home. Fun was had by all!
Computer Science and Software Development is for students who have an interest in writing their own computer programs and/or applications. In the introductory courses (AP Computer Science Principles or OnRamps Computer Science), students learn about block-based programming using Scratch and text-based programming using Processing. OnRamps Computer Science students have the potential to earn both high school and UT Austin college credit simultaneously. In Computer Science I, students learn about programming basics in the Java programming language. In AP Computer Science A and Computer Science 2, students learn object-oriented programming concepts in the Java programming language. In Computer Science 3, students learn about advanced data structures and cover a survey of different programming languages. The recommended course sequence for Computer Science is as follows: Year 1: OnRamps Computer Science (earn high school and UT Austin college credit) OR AP Computer Science Principles Year 2: Pre-AP Computer Science 1 Year 3: AP Computer Science A (2 period block) OR Honors Computer Science 2 (1 period) Year 4: Honors Computer Science 3
CONTACT: cynthia.huron@nisd.net
The Culinary Arts program of study introduces students to occupations and educational opportunities related to the planning, directing, or coordinating activities of a food and beverage organization or department. This program of study also explores opportunities involved in directing and participating in the preparation and cooking of food.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED: Food Handlers License & Food Managers Certification
CONTACT: matthew.brewster@nisd.net
The Cybersecurity program of study includes the occupations and educational opportunities related to planning, implementing, upgrading, or monitoring security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Additionally, students may explore responding to virus security breaches and the administration of network security measures.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED: Freshmen: MOS Word, Excel, PowerPoint (Microsoft Office Specialist)
Sophomore: MTA Security Fundamentals (Microsoft Technology Associate)
Junior: CompTIA Network+
Senior: CompTIA Security+
CONTACT: yolanda.corona-smith@nisd.net
The Teaching and Training program of study prepares students for careers related to teaching, instruction, and creation of instructional and enrichment materials. The program of study introduces CTE concentrators to a wide variety of student groups and their corresponding needs. It familiarizes them with the processes for developing curriculum, coordinating educational content, and coaching groups and individuals.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED: CPR Certification
CONTACT: tanya.garza@nisd.net
Engineering is a great opportunity to gain knowledge and skills of the design process as it applies to multiple engineering fields. Students use multiple software applications and tools necessary to produce and present working drawings, solid model renderings, and prototypes. Earn industry certifications such as Solidworks CSWA, Solidworks Additive Manufacturing, and OSHA General Safety. Experience a variety of computer hardware, software applications, and use a fabrication lab to complete assignments and projects that display original design or re-engineered concepts. Through implementation of the design process, students will transfer advanced academic skills to component designs. Additionally, students explore career opportunities in engineering, technology, and drafting.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED:
Manufacturing Engineering Tech- OSHA 10 Hour General Industry
Engineering Design and Pres 1- Solidworks additive manufacturing & Solidworks sustainability
Engineering Design and Pres 2- SOLIDWORKS (CSWA) Associate in Mechanical Design
CONTACT: justin.limon@nisd.net
LEARN MORE: Engineering Video
Fashion Design: Principles of Human Services is the foundation class for the Family and Consumer Sciences Department. Here, students survey all of our areas of study, including personal development, fashion and clothing care, nutrition and food preparation, and money management and child development. In this course, students will improve their personal development and gain insight into possible career paths.
- Fashion Design Course:
This is an introductory course to fashion. In the first semester, we will cover a variety of fashion-related topics that include fashion history, designers, styles, textiles, clothing care and the principles and elements of design. The second semester includes learning about the sewing machine and basic sewing skills to create a garment that will be presented at the end-of-the-year Fashion Show.
- Advanced Fashion Design & Practicum in Fashion Design:
These double-blocked courses go deeper into the fashion industry and further advance sewing skills. A major assessment is to display your skills in a fashion show highlighting the outfits you have constructed throughout the year. Students organize and produce every aspect of the show, including sets, music, scripts and advertising. Lastly, this course will participate in several community programs.
CONTACT: veronica.kallead@nisd.net
The Graphic Design and Multimedia Arts program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program of study may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories, and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED: Adobe Certified Associate - Adobe Illustrator CC & Adobe Photoshop CC
CONTACT: steven.gearhart@nisd.net
Healthcare Diagnostics
In the healthcare diagnostic strand, students will have the opportunity to explore the healthcare industry. Students will begin with Principles of Health Science where they will get an overview of what the Health Science Industry encompasses. Students will learn about the different career options, as well as basics such as vital signs and infection control.
Next, students will take Medical Terminology and learn the language that is used in healthcare. In their junior year, students will have the chance to shadow healthcare professionals in the hospital setting. Students can take either Health Science Theory or Health Science Clinical. Both of these classes help students understand medical law and ethics, human growth and development, documentation, communication, vital signs, and infection control.
Finally, as a senior, students will have the opportunity to take a practicum class which culminates in a nationally recognized industry certification. In the healthcare diagnostic strand, students have the opportunity to sit for 2 certifications: EKG Technician and Phlebotomist. These certifications will allow students the opportunity to work in the hospital or in the lab setting.
Healthcare Therapeutic
In the healthcare therapeutic strand, students will have the opportunity to explore the healthcare industry beginning with the course Principles of Health Science. This class will give students an overview of the Health Science Industry to learn about different career options, and basics such as vital signs and infection control. Next, students will take Medical Terminology and learn the language that is used in healthcare. In their junior year, students will have the chance to shadow healthcare professionals in the hospital setting. Students can take either Health Science Theory or Health Science Clinical. Both of these classes help students understand medical law and ethics, human growth and development, documentation, communication, vital signs, and infection control. Finally, as a senior, students will have the opportunity to take a practicum class which culminates in a nationally recognized industry certification. In the Healthcare Therapeutic strand, students can choose between medical assisting, patient care technician, and pharmacology. The CCMA, or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification gives the students the opportunity to work in doctors' offices, as an EKG tech, or as a phlebotomist. The PCT certification, or Patient Care Technician, can work in hospital assisting with basic patient care. The ExCPT exam allows students to become a certified Pharmacy Technician. Under this certification, students can work in pharmacies assisting the pharmacist.
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED: CPR Certification, CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant & Pharmacy Technician
CONTACT: annmarie.walker@nisd.net
Students develop and produce the school newspaper or yearbook, and participate in advanced study of feature, column, editorial, and sports writing. Additionally, they learn the role of advertising in publication, how to define editorial policy, how to conduct interviews, and how to use other appropriate writing techniques. Students also learn current trends in format and publishing techniques, graphics, design, and layout considerations in publishing newspapers.
CONTACT: shannon.kelly@nisd.net
Harlan HS takes great pride in participating in Public Speaking. The National Speech and Debate Honors Society is the national honor society for speech and debate. We work to spark transformation in the lives of students, to help them become effective communicators, critical thinkers and engaged, ethical members of our democratic society. Students are invited to experience the exciting global debate format! Harlan HS students participate in both Interscholastic Competition and Non-Competitive Speaking/Service Activities. Debate and Oral Interpretation students can become members of the National Speech and Debate Honors Society -members pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity, humility, respect, leadership and service in the pursuit of excellence. Public Speaking Events: Extemporaneous Informative Speaking, Extemporaneous Persuasive Speaking, Impromptu, Original Oratory, Domestic Extemp and Foreign Extemp. Practices, invitationals and tournaments are held virtually and across campus at various times throughout the school year.
CONTACT: cassandra.zuniga@nisd.net
Robotics I: Through implementation of the engineering design process, students will transfer advanced academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment. Students will build prototypes or use simulation software to test their designs. Additionally, students explore career opportunities, employer expectations, and educational needs in the robotic and automation industry. Robotics II: Students will explore artificial intelligence and programming in the robotic and automation industry. Through implementation of the design process, students will transfer academic skills to component designs in a project-based environment. Students will build prototypes and use software to test their designs.
CONTACT: jason.torres@nisd.net