Career and Technical Education in the Victor Valley Prepares Students for High-Demand Jobs
Students in the Victor Valley region can participate in career and technical education programs to help set them up for high-demand careers with livable wage potential. Those interested in a medical career can take classes to become a dental assistant, medical assistant or physical therapy aide, while other programs lead to careers in residential and commercial construction, computer service repair, architecture, child development and engineering technology.
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Career Pathways
These programs are part of Mountain Desert Career Pathways (MDCP), a consortium of nine school districts, including Apple Valley USD, Hesperia USD and Victor Valley UHSD, with the goal of training students to move straight into jobs in the High Desert after high school or postsecondary education, says Andy Page, MDCP data and project analyst.
Through mentorship, leadership programs, field trips and hands-on training, students get a better view of what these careers entail than what they’d learn in a traditional classroom environment. Additionally, students develop general employment skills, like interviewing, collaboration, critical thinking and developing a strong work ethic, that benefit them regardless of the field they seek.
These programs are available to high school students in all grade levels, though it is preferred that they start by at least junior year to take advantage of the two-year program. After selecting one of the CTE pathways, students take sequential classes that build on their knowledge and expertise.
Plenty of Choices
Available programs vary by school. For example, at Victor Valley High School, which is part of Victor Valley UHSD, students can choose from programs such as performing arts, residential and commercial construction, and biotechnology, while at Oak Hills High School, which is part of Hesperia USD, students can take classes in transportation, fashion design and child development.
During the 2024-25 school year, MDCP enrolled over 13,000 students, with over 157 courses providing simultaneous high school and Victor Valley College credit. Over 250 programs were University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) A-G approved, meaning they met the requirements for courses students in the state must complete with a grade of C or better to be eligible for admission into UC or CSU schools.
MDCP programs don’t exist in a vacuum. They utilize industry advisers to ensure students are being taught using the correct equipment and software needed to prepare them for jobs in specific industries. Industry leaders visit classrooms to speak with students, and students tour facilities to see what a typical day in a particular industry looks like.
Beyond the Classroom
There are additional ways MDCP programs go beyond classroom learning. For example, students in the food service and hospitality pathway can compete in Chopped San Bernardino County, a competition that shows off their skills using mystery ingredients, and Sweet Genius, a competition focused on desserts. Hackathon competitions are available for students in the information and communications technology pathway.
“The competitions for students are incredibly popular,” says Zoee Widener, public information officer for Apple Valley USD. “Events like Chopped, Sweet Genius and others give students a chance to shine.”
Industry internships are also integral to MDCP programs, benefiting students and employers. Students can learn about an industry while gaining actual work experience, and employers can “test drive” potential future employees. “We’re kind of their pipeline,” Page says of MDCP.
Vast Benefits
MDCP provides students with invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience in high-demand and highly skilled fields, preparing them for successful careers in the High Desert region and beyond.
“This collaboration is vital so that our students are exposed to current industry experience and help our local industry build their future workforce,” says David Olney, the recently retired Hesperia USD superintendent. “It truly is an example of total community support for our young people.”
By aligning CTE programs with industry needs and offering mentorship, internships and industry certifications, MDCP empowers students to enter the workforce with practical skills, professional connections and a clear path to sustainable employment.
Many people play key roles in making these programs – and the students who utilize them – successful.
“They hold a gala every year and recognize some of our outstanding career technical education teachers, staff members and students,” says Kris Reilly, Victor Valley UHSD public engagement information manager.
To learn more about MDCP, visit mdcareerpathways.com.
Victor Valley College Opens a New Educational Event Center
The Victor Valley College Educational Event Center is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts everything from conferences and meetings to college groups and special events. Located on Victor Valley College’s lower campus near the stadium, the building has multipurpose rooms and advanced technology, providing a space for the college and extended community to gather. It also serves as a revenue-generating opportunity for the college.
The building includes a banquet hall with a 600-person occupancy, board meeting room, concession stand and catering kitchen. The 2024 High Desert Education Summit was held at the Educational Event Center, bringing local community and business leaders and educators to the Victor Valley College campus for a day of networking and personal growth sessions. The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce used the building’s patio area to showcase local vendors.
The college also uses the building to host student events, such as the Black Student Expo and the UMOJA Summit, two events that aim to increase higher education opportunities for the Black student population. The college also hosted astronaut José Hernández to share his story of education and perseverance with students.
The community has taken advantage of the space, hosting company holiday parties, trainings, galas and fundraisers. Because the Educational Event Center is adjacent to the new stadium, a wide variety of events can be held there. As they can increase capacity, the plan is to make the Educational Event Center a place for everything from birthday parties and weddings to concerts and festivals.