On Friday, Feb. 6th, 2026, community leaders, industry partners, educators, and students gathered in the Mane Street (cafeteria) area of Goddard High School for the spring meeting of the USD 265 Career & Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Council. The council, which convenes twice each school year, serves as a vital bridge between Goddard USD 265 and the local business community - ensuring that classroom learning remains aligned with real-world workforce needs.
The biannual meeting is designed to do more than review curriculum. Advisory members collaborate with district leaders and CTE instructors to evaluate pathway standards, discuss labor and industry trends, explore new partnership opportunities, and strengthen future connections for students across the district. The heart of the meeting was unmistakably clear to those in attendance: student voice. During the full group session that morning, student speakers from Goddard High School (GHS) and Eisenhower High School (EHS) shared personal stories that underscored the impact of CTE pathways on their academic journeys and future goals.
Tessa Carson, EHS Junior, reflected on the dedication of her instructors and the support she’s received in her pathway. “They move mountains when it comes to fostering the growth of students in the CTE pathways,” Carson said, of USD 265 CTE teachers. Her words resonated with advisory members - many of whom represent the very industries students are preparing to enter. Carson described classrooms that extend beyond textbooks, where teachers help students work towards certifications, make professional connections, and build confidence in their abilities.
GHS Senior, Brandon Johnson, spoke about the breadth of opportunity available to students, often before they even realize it. “There’s so many opportunities for kids my age that we just aren’t aware of yet, but opportunities to learn are what this is all about,” Johnson shared. He emphasized how exposure to career pathways - whether in engineering, health sciences, business, skilled trades, or other high-demand fields - can open doors students didn’t know existed. His message reinforced one of the council’s primary goals: ensuring students are not only prepared for the workforce but also aware of the many possibilities available to them.
Another student speaker, EHS Senior Leo Jones, highlighted the transformative power of hands-on learning through internships. Reflecting on a recent experience working alongside a professional in their chosen field of study, Jones shared, “The impact it had on me was just how much of an influence and impact this type of career has on a community...and that cemented that I knew what I wanted to do.” The testimony underscored a key strength of USD 265’s CTE programming: real-world application. Through internships, job shadowing, and industry partnerships, students are able to see firsthand how their skills translate beyond the classroom and into meaningful community impact.
As the meeting continued and attendees divided into their respective areas of expertise (pathways), members discussed continued collaboration, upcoming pathway developments, and strategies to expand business partnerships. The shared commitment in the room was evident: preparing students not just for graduation, but for life beyond it - for lifelong success.
By bringing together educators, industry experts, and students, the USD 265 CTE Advisory Council continues to ensure that programs remain relevant, rigorous, and responsive. And as the student speakers made clear, the investment is paying off - one pathway, one partnership, and one inspired future at a time.