The School of Aviation Science at Irving High School is among the best career and technical education (CTE) programs in the nation! Last week, the program was named one of eight winners - the only from Texas - in the prestigious Excellence in Action award, which recognizes the best CTE programs of study across the country.
“The programs of study that we are honoring share a steadfast commitment to the highest expectations for CTE,” says Kimberly Green, Executive Director of Advance CTE. “This dedication to quality and equity ensures each learner has access to opportunities that prepare them for future success in their education and career of their choice. Today's honorees serve as national models of what high-quality CTE looks like and can achieve.”
The School of Aviation Science received the award in the Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Career Cluster® from Advance CTE as a result of their commitment to preparing learners in a high-demand sector through real-world, hands-on experiences, industry-recognized credential attainment opportunities and dual enrollment offerings. Last year, all learners graduated high school, and 94 percent enrolled in postsecondary education. 60 percent of learners in the program also earned an industry-recognized credential.
“The aviation industry is an economic driver for the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, and Irving ISD’s School of Aviation Science is preparing learners to meet the ever-growing need for pilots and aviation techs through our programs of study,” says Shawn Blessing, Director of Signature Studies for Irving ISD. “Because of our location, our students have the opportunity to learn from industry experts and see equipment and facilities first-hand through our partnerships with leading companies in the aviation industry. Learners graduate from high school prepared with all of the information they need to reach their goals as pilots or aviation techs.”
Profiles of each winner are available on Advance CTE’s website.
This is Irving ISD’s third Excellence in Action award. The School of Law and Public Service at Singley Academy won in 2014 and the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality at Singley won in 2017. Irving ISD is the only district in the nation to have won three Excellence in Action awards, and this award is the only national recognition for outstanding CTE programs.
