CTE Programs Continue to Grow

When it comes to investing in their students’ futures, Clintondale is all in with CTE Programming.  Whether it is culinary, marketing, or any of the other CTE programs, Clintondale has something for any student.

“We are truly working on building programs at Clintondale that will offer students opportunities to build a future,” explains John Forlini, CTE Director. “Whether a student is college bound or not, a CTE education gives students a chance to see what kind of careers are available and to sample different paths.  Students also have the opportunity to graduate with a certification to go directly into the workforce.”

Clintondale offers programs in Marketing, Culinary, Graphic Design, Media Production, and Teaching.  In marketing students learn the fundamentals of marketing, entrepreneurship, and eventually can work their way into the student run school store to learn retail operations and management.  Culinary labs teach students how to cook, bake, and run a kitchen.  They learn all about food safety and preparation before they ultimately work in the student run restaurant, The Dragon Cafe.  Students have an opportunity to learn what it’s like to be a teacher in Teacher Cadet.  Lesson planning and student interactions are just a couple topics covered in class before students take to the road to our younger students at Rainbow and Parker to actually work with the students and teachers. Graphic Design gives students the opportunity to learn graphic design and eventually produce shirts, hats, and other durable goods.

CTE programming is not just in our high school.  CTE has been added to the Middle School to introduce students to career exploration.  Also, high school students now have opportunities for dual enrollment with Macomb Community College where they earn high school and college credits in Automotive, HVAC, and Welding.

Clintondale is also very excited for new programming coming for the ‘26/’27 school year with Cosmetology.  Students will be able to earn a state license in nails and hair cultivation in the new “salon”.  Through an articulation agreement with Michigan College of Beauty, students will be able to finish the full cosmetology program after graduation.

Article provided by Clintondale Community Schools for publication in the Macomb Daily.