FONTANA, CA – Fontana Unified students and families performed CPR on manikins, programmed robots, recorded broadcast news segments and learned to pilot a Cessna 172 – all within the two stories of the Lewis Library and Technology Center on Feb. 27.

The hands-on demonstrations were among many offered at the District’s inaugural Career Pathway Showcase, which highlighted the array of career technical education (CTE) programs available in FUSD high schools.

Such demonstrations included a lesson on pneumatic systems from Jehad Abdallah, a sophomore enrolled in Summit’s mechatronics/automations pathway.

“I’m already learning how to operate programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which are the foundation of many companies across many industries,” said Abdallah, who hopes to study mechanical or civil engineering and one day establish a building company. “It’s a skill that not many people have the opportunity to learn at this age, and I’m excited we have it here in Fontana Unified.”

Attendees also enjoyed performances from arts-focused pathways, including a lyrical dance routine to Selena Gomez’s “Lose You to Love Me” by Jurupa Hills High School’s dance students and Shakespearean monologues from Kaiser High School’s theater students.

Over the last few years, Fontana Unified CTE instructors have redesigned and developed rigorous course curriculum, supported by a CTE Incentive Grant. The District’s CTE pathways are designed to support students in improving college and career readiness, earning trade certifications, gaining college credit and receiving relevant career training.

The District’s CTE pathways also include aviation; information and communication technologies; health science and medical technologies; automotive technology; international business and finance; public safety; manufacturing and product development; arts, media and entertainment; and performing arts.

“Fontana Unified is committed to preparing students to succeed in an ever-changing professional landscape – an effort aided by our robust CTE pathways,” Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “We are proud of the excellence our students are demonstrating in these pathways and look forward to how they will continue to accomplish.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

FUSD_CTE_SHOWCASE1: Fontana Unified students practice piloting a Cessna 172 on a flight simulator, gaining insight into A.B. Miller High’s aviation pathway, during the FUSD Career Pathway Showcase on Feb. 27.

FUSD_CTE_SHOWCASE2: Fontana High School emergency medical response student coaches his peer through performing CPR during the District’s Career Pathway Showcase on Feb. 27.