Southwest Allen County Schools

SACS Career and Technical Education Center

Southwest Allen County Schools has broken ground on a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, marking an exciting step in our commitment to expanding choice and opportunity as we become the District of Choice. The center will offer hands-on learning, real-world experiences, industry-recognized certifications and dual credit opportunities.

Designed for all students, SACS’ (CTE) Center will empower students to turn their passions into purpose through hands-on learning in high-demand fields such as health sciences, engineering, information technology, skilled trades, and more. Students will gain real-world experience, earn industry-recognized certifications, and take dual credit courses that prepare them for college, apprenticeships, military service, or direct entry into the workforce—all while developing the practical skills employers and colleges value most.

This initiative is designed to complement, not duplicat, existing regional programs. By collaborating with local schools, businesses, and community organizations, SACS will create innovative programs that respond to the needs of our region’s workforce and open doors for every student. SACS students will always receive priority enrollment.

As a cornerstone of the Academic Pillar within our Strategic Plan, the CTE Center represents our commitment to providing high-quality education, meaningful career experiences, and opportunities that prepare students to thrive in whatever path they choose.

SACS students turn dirt, in hard hats and with shovels, signifying the start of the CTE building. Students in grades 3–8 helped turn the first shovels of dirt for the district’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Their participation offered a glimpse of the future, as these students may one day explore their interests, discover new passions and gain hands-on experience in the center they helped celebrate.

Understanding CTE

What is CTE?

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming is an engaging educational pathway that connects classroom learning to real-world application. Through hands-on experiences, industry-relevant coursework, and practical skill development, CTE helps ALL students explore their passions while preparing for success in college, careers, and beyond.

CTE Programs of Study

CTE programs of study offer structured pathways that focus on specific career fields such as healthcare, information technology, construction, automotive technology, culinary arts, and more. Each pathway combines academic instruction with hands-on learning, projects, and opportunities for internships or work-based experiences ensuring students are prepared for both college and entry-level careers.

Industry-Based Certifications

A hallmark of CTE is the opportunity for students to earn industry-recognized certifications—credentials valued by employers nationwide. These certifications validate a student’s mastery of key skills and provide a strong advantage in today’s job market. Our instructors work closely with students to prepare them for success on these exams and to help them graduate with valuable, career-ready credentials.

Dual Credit Options and Opportunities

Through dual credit opportunities, students can earn both high school and college credit at the same time. These courses are often taught by qualified high school teachers in partnership with local colleges or universities, allowing students to experience college-level coursework while still in high school.

By earning dual credits, students can complete college requirements sooner, reduce future tuition costs, and gain valuable experience that eases the transition to higher education or advanced training programs.

Benefits of Taking CTE Classes in High School

Whether a high school student’s plans include college, technical training, or direct entry into the workforce, CTE programming allows students to:

Explore careers: Discover interests and passions through real-world experiences.
Build essential skills: Strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities.
Prepare for college: Gain foundational knowledge that often aligns with college-level coursework.
Reduce future education and training expenses: Earn certifications and/or dual credits that can reduce future expenses.
Gain a competitive edge: Stand out in the job market with hands-on experience and practical skills.

At SACS, wer’re preparing to launch a range of CTE programs that inspire all students to discover their strengths, develop real-world skills, and confidently pursue the futures they envision. SACS students will always have priority enrollment.

Anticipated Programming

SACS is exploring a wide range of high-demand, high-interest fields for the CTE Center, with potential programs designed to help students discover their interests, develop valuable skills and pursue pathways to college, careers and industry certifications.

Diamonds that advertise programming at the CTE

Our CTE Building

Logo for Career & Technical Education Center featuring a diamond-shaped geometric icon with the letters CTE in red.

Explore a preview of the future SACS Career and Technical Education Center. The architectural renderings below offer a glimpse of spaces designed for hands-on learning, career exploration and community connections. In addition to classrooms and workspaces designed to support anticipated programming, plans include a restaurant, daycare and salon where students can gain practical experience while providing services to the community.

Overview of CTE Exterior
Anticipated Layout of Programming Inside the New CTE
A Street View of the CTE Campus Entrance
The CTE's Main Entrance

Welcome to SACS CTE Center. Guests will be Greeted at the Reception Area
The CTE Main Cooridor
The CTE Offers a Multipurpose Community Room
A Culinary Cafe Designed to Provide Real World Experiences Serving the Community

Exterior of the Early Learning Entrance
Early Learning Designed for Real World Experiences Inside the Classrooms and with Observations
A Full Service Salon, the Cosmetology Area Will be Open to the Public
The Interior of the Salon

Learning From Others

As part of our planning process, SACS leaders are visiting established Career and Technical Education (CTE) facilities across the region to learn from successful models and gain insight into what makes these programs thrive. These visits provide valuable opportunities to observe how facilities are designed, how programs are structured, and how schools build partnerships with local industries and higher education institutions. By studying best practices, we can make informed decisions that ensure our own CTE facility is both innovative and responsive to student and community needs.

In addition to statewide regionwide exploration, we are collaborating closely with neighboring school districts to ensure that our efforts complement rather than duplicate existing CTE offerings. This collaboration allows us to identify program areas that can fill regional gaps and strengthen career pathways for all students.

Our ultimate goal is to create a network of opportunity that extends beyond SACS boundaries by offering access to hands-on, career-focused learning experiences for students across the region and preparing them for success in the workforce, college, or wherever their future aspirations lead.

SACS admin visiting CTE facility at another school district

Shape the Future - Contact Us!

Help Wanted

SACS is excited to launch its Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiative, and we’re seeking input and partnerships from those who share our commitment to student success. Whether you’re a parent, community member, educator, or business leader, your ideas, expertise, and connections can help us design programs that prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom. Please complete the form below to share your interest in collaborating or supporting this initiative as we work together to make SACS the District of Choice and bring the CTE Center to life.

CTE Programming Partner Interest Form

Image of Jennifer Reiff, CTE Director