Fresno Unified’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Department is dedicated to providing students with invaluable hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities. Through a diverse range of events and partnerships, students from 9th to 12th grade, and even younger, are exposed to various industries, from first response to sports science and technology. These events are crucial for students looking to discover their passions and gain a head start in their future careers.
Hands-On First Responder Experience at Winter Camp
In a unique collaboration, the CTE department joined forces with the Fresno Police Department (PD), Fresno Fire Department, and National University to host an immersive First Responder Winter Camp. This camp offered students from 9th to 12th grade a comprehensive look into careers in emergency services. Participants engaged directly with various specialized units, including the K-9, Mounted, Bicycle, Helicopter, and Patrol Units, gaining insights into law enforcement career paths. Furthermore, interactions with the SWAT, CSI (Crime Scene Investigation), and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Teams provided a deeper understanding of specialized roles within first response. The camp wasn’t just observational; students actively participated in the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC), experienced realistic EMS response simulations, and tackled an emergency response scenario alongside Fresno Fire personnel. Crucially, students also had the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, providing a tangible boost to their career readiness. This event served as an exceptional introduction to first responder careers, offering practical skills and knowledge.
Documenting Real-World Emergencies: Fire Chiefs Training Symposium
The Fire Chiefs Training Symposium provided a unique experiential learning opportunity for video and photo students from Fresno, McLane, Roosevelt, and Sunnyside high schools. Partnering to document this significant event, these students delivered high-quality media content directly to the Fresno Fire Department for their professional use. This hands-on project took students to various locations, including the Clovis Fire Training Center, the San Joaquin River Gorge, the Cal Fire station in Del Rey, the Fresno City College First Responders campus, and even a Pick-N-Pull salvage yard, simulating diverse emergency scenarios. This experience not only honed their media production skills but also exposed them to the fast-paced and critical environment of emergency response, potentially sparking interest in careers related to media within public safety sectors.
Airport Emergency Drill: Simulating Aircraft Rescue and First Response
A large-scale Triennial Aircraft Emergency Drill at Fresno International Airport offered students from Bullard, Cambridge, DeWolf, Edison, J.E. Young, Hoover, McLane, and Roosevelt high schools an intense and realistic experience. Participating in hands-on activities, students learned firsthand about the multifaceted careers of first responders. They took on the roles of airplane crash victims, providing a crucial element for the training exercise. These student “victims” were then triaged and “treated” by a comprehensive array of first responder teams, including American Ambulance, Fresno County Fire, Fresno Fire, Fresno Airport Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF), and Police, among other emergency units. This drill provided invaluable insight into the coordinated efforts required in emergency situations and offered a close-up view of the dedication and skills needed in various first responder roles.
Exploring Sports Science Careers at the Sports Science Institute
For students interested in the science behind athletic performance and healthcare, the Sports Science Institute offered a 3-day summer camp focused on Kinesiology and Sports Medicine at Fresno State University. This immersive camp provided hands-on experiences across specific areas such as Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Education, and Sports Psychology. Participants had the unique opportunity to tour Fresno State’s Athletic Weight Rooms and the Athletic Training Facility, gaining exposure to professional-level sports science environments. This camp served as a valuable introduction to sports science careers, demonstrating the diverse paths available within this growing field.
Empowering Young Women in Law Enforcement: HERo Women’s Leadership Camp
The HERo Women’s Leadership Camp, held at the Fresno Police Department’s Regional Training Center and hosted by the Fresno Police Department, specifically targeted female students in grades 9-12. This camp aimed to encourage young women to explore careers in law enforcement and leadership roles. Students heard from inspiring “Women in Blue” guest speakers, providing real-world perspectives on women in policing. The program included hands-on experiences such as riding along with police officers in the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) and interacting with officers from various Fresno Police Department units. This camp provided a supportive and empowering environment for young women to envision themselves in law enforcement careers.
Innovation Day: Cultivating Future Engineers and Innovators
Innovation Day, an annual event, brought together 3rd through 6th-grade students from across Fresno Unified for an engaging engineering and career-based competition at the Save Mart Center. This event culminated the THINK Program, which challenges teachers and students with career-focused design problems throughout the school year. Students showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills by collaborating to solve a design challenge centered around agriculture in front of an audience of families and friends. This early exposure to engineering principles and collaborative problem-solving lays a foundation for future STEM careers.
Innovation Day Winners:
- 3rd grade: Bullard Talent “Stars”
- 4th grade: Birney “The Science Wizards”
- 5th grade: Rowell “Rowell Rockets”
- 6th grade: Kirk “Ingenuity”
FUeL Sports League: Competitive Esports and Scholarship Opportunities
The Fresno Unified esports League (FUeL) hosted fall and spring tournaments at Sunnyside and Hoover High Schools, respectively, highlighting the growing field of esports careers. Middle school students competed in Rocket League, a popular “soccer with cars” 3v3 game, while high school students showcased their skills in Overwatch 2, a 5-person competitive team-based game. FUeL, now in its 6th year, has experienced significant growth, expanding from under 100 participants in its first year to over 250 in the spring tournament. Teams competed for substantial prizes, including a $2,500 scholarship, demonstrating the real-world opportunities and potential career paths within the esports industry.
Tournament of Technology: Showcasing Tech Skills in Y2K Style
The 17th annual Tournament of Technology at Sunnyside High School brought together Fresno Unified middle school students for technology-based competitions. This year’s event, themed “Y2K,” featured 19 events across Robotics, Drones, Coding, Video Production, and Design categories. The tournament provided a platform for students to demonstrate their tech skills and explore various technology-related fields.
Tournament of Technology Winners:
- Division 1 Grand Champion: Sequoia Middle School
- Division 2 Grand Champions: Scandinavian and Tehipite middle schools
Through these diverse and engaging events, the CTE Department in Fresno Unified is actively shaping the future workforce by providing students with early exposure to a wide range of career possibilities and essential hands-on skills.
