Sherman Independent School District (SISD) launched its first Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in 2010 with a grant from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The program was designed to provide Sherman ISD students with relevant, work-based experiences that inspire, guide, and empower them to become college- and career-ready. Whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce, students have opportunities to earn certifications and Level I credentials that prepare them for future success. Today, Sherman ISD offers 24 programs of study and 26 Industry-Based Level I and II certification programs. These pathways span a wide range of fields, including Accounting and Finance, Animal Sciences, Culinary Arts, Electronics, Engineering and Cyber Science, Health Sciences, and Teaching and Training.
Students begin exploring college and career opportunities as early as sixth or seventh grade. By eighth grade, each student meets one-on-one with a counselor to develop a personalized four-year high school plan. During this year, students also participate in the annual Bearcat Showcase, where Student Ambassadors introduce them to various CTE programs, labs, and hands-on learning experiences. Parents are invited to attend an open house to tour the facilities and meet with counselors to learn more about available programs and graduation pathways.
Once enrolled in high school, students continue taking core academic courses while selecting electives in CTE, athletics, or fine arts. According to Elizabeth Clayton, Coordinator of the Sherman ISD CTE Program, “Students are given time to explore and try things out while still in high school. They get to see real life and experience their field of interest before entering college.” Students who discover a new passion along the way are encouraged to work with a CTE counselor to create a revised plan.
Sherman ISD partners closely with Grayson College to offer dual-credit opportunities and supports Advanced Placement courses in Computer Science, Business, and Personal Finance. Each CTE program is supported by an Advisory Board made up of educators, community members, and business leaders. These boards meet regularly to ensure coursework remains aligned with current industry needs and that students are developing relevant, in-demand skills.
Clayton shared that 90 percent of the Class of 2026 completed at least one CTE course during their time at Sherman High School. Additionally, 589 students completed a program of study or earned a Level I certification. Students are encouraged to participate in organizations such as FFA, HOSA–Future Health Professionals, and FCCLA. Many students advanced from district competitions to compete at the state level. Sherman High School students can also earn varsity letters in academics, athletics, and fine arts.
The facilities available to CTE students help set Sherman ISD apart. The program occupies its own two-story wing attached to Sherman High School and features commercial-grade kitchens, a professional automotive garage, advanced construction tools and workshops, a welding shop, health science simulation labs, and a fully equipped studio with a green screen used to produce Cats News. A new Cosmetology program will launch during the 2026–27 school year, allowing students to graduate with a cosmetology license and enter the workforce immediately.
At its core, the Sherman ISD CTE program is dedicated to equipping students with the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving workforce. Through the collaborative efforts of educators, community leaders, and industry partners, students are empowered to confidently take their next steps toward college, careers, and lifelong success.