February marks Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and for Tyler ISD, the celebration carries special meaning as the district commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Career & Technology Center (CTC). Since opening in 2015, the CTC has grown into a cornerstone of student opportunity, workforce development, and innovation in East Texas.
Built with a bold vision, the CTC was designed as a centralized, state-of-the-art hub where students could earn college credit, industry certifications, and hands-on experience in high-demand career fields before graduating. Today, the CTC houses 25 programs of study, ranging from health science, welding, and automotive technology to cybersecurity, culinary arts, law enforcement, digital communications, HVAC, and cosmetology.
“When we built the CTC, we didn’t just build a building — we built a launching pad for student success,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “Our goal has always been to graduate students who are not only academically prepared but also workforce ready. Ten years later, the CTC continues to deliver on that promise.”
That promise is reflected in student participation and outcomes. Today, more than 6,300 Tyler ISD students are enrolled in at least one CTE course, earning more than 2,300 industry-based certifications that open doors to careers, internships, apprenticeships, and continued education.
Designed with flexibility and growth in mind, the CTC features adaptable lab spaces and industry-grade equipment that evolve as workforce needs change.
“We built this place to grow with our students and our industries,” CTC Director Brett Shelby said. “When technology changes, or workforce needs shift, the CTC is structured to adapt. That’s the key to staying relevant, and it’s what keeps our programs strong.”
Strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations further enhance student learning through internships, mentorships, clinical rotations, and dual-credit opportunities. These real-world experiences help students graduate with both a diploma and a résumé of valuable credentials.
“The CTC has transformed how our students think about their futures,” Executive Director of College and Career, Dr. Kristen Walls, said. “We’re not just preparing them for jobs; we’re preparing them for pathways.”
Throughout CTE Month, Tyler ISD will highlight CTE programs, student achievements, and industry partnerships through stories, photos, and videos. As the district celebrates a decade of impact, leaders are also looking ahead, ensuring the CTC remains poised to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow and continue serving as a pipeline of talent, innovation, and opportunity.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.