Advisory committees

What they are: Advisory committees are teams of people from businesses, the community, and schools—including CTE teachers—who team up to improve Career Technical Education programs.

• What they do:

  1. Check if CTE programs are doing a good job and suggest ways to make them better.

  2. Fix problems so students get the best training.

  3. Tell schools what new tools or teacher skills match real-world jobs.

  4. Set up fun job experiences like meeting pros, visiting workplaces, or trying internships.

  5. Get people excited about CTE and tell everyone how great it is.

  6. Find sponsors for cash, awards, or supplies for classes and student clubs like CTSOs.

• Why it matters: They connect school to local careers, making sure students learn skills employers need and get awesome job experiences.

How to join: Want to help? Call the Career Technical Department at 559-730-7510.

Visalia Partners in Education (VPIE)

What it is: VPIE is the main group that leads Career Technical Education (CTE) for Visalia Unified School District. It began in 2002 when the district joined forces with the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, the Visalia Economic Development Corporation, and local businesses.

• What it does:

  • It supports all CTE programs across the district to make them awesome.

  • The district gives money to CTE, and businesses pitch in with job experiences (like tours, internships, or career fairs) or donations.

  • They team up to improve CTE so students learn skills for local jobs like farming or healthcare.

• Why it matters: VPIE connects school to real work, helping students get ready for careers with support from Visalia’s own companies.