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Tuesday Apr 08
Thursday Apr 10
Governing Board Meeting
The board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, and will be held in person at SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201. View the agenda online.
- 6:00 p.m. start time
- 6:10 p.m. closed session
- Open session at approximately 7:00 pm.
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March 2025 Newsletter
03/28/2025 01:25 PM METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT March 28, 2025 CTE Newsletter Vol. 11 Issue 6 Visit our website ? Inside this Issue Enroll Now at SVCTE for Fall CTE Summer Exploration PG&E PowerPathway Graduate StuRead More >> READ MORESVCTE Alumni Nathaniel Orrantia Powers Up His Future with PG&E
03/27/2025 10:38 AM Nathaniel Orrantia, a 2023-2024 Electrical Maintenance student from Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center, recently graduated from PG&E’s PowerPathway 2024 Entry to Electric OperatRead More >> READ MOREMetroED Press Release: SVCTE Culinary Arts program selected for one of only six prestigious Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards
03/04/2025 02:53 PM San Jose, CA: The Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA) announced that Metropolitan Education District’s (MetroED) Silicon Valley Career Technical Education's (SVCTE) Culinary Arts prRead More >> READ MORE- See All Announcements
March 2025 Newsletter
METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT
March 28, 2025
CTE Newsletter Vol. 11 Issue 6
Visit our website
Inside this Issue
- Enroll Now at SVCTE for Fall
- CTE Summer Exploration
- PG&E PowerPathway Graduate
- Student Wellness Fair
- Color of Justice
- Medical Students Showcase Skills
- Car Show May 2
- Culinary Arts Hoffmann Award
- Higher Ed Day
- Film Festival Honors Student
- Culinary Arts at CA ProStart
- Fashion Design & Textile Arts Student in School Newspaper
- MetroED Leader Honored
- Job Openings
- Governing Board Information
- Upcoming Dates
Superintendent's Message
Hello Erin,
Enroll Now for Fall at SVCTE!
Education has the power to transform lives, and at Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center, we see that transformation every day. SVCTE offers high school and adult students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, earn college credit, and prepare for in-demand careers—all before graduation.
Now is the time to enroll for Fall 2025! Students can explore hands-on programs in automotive technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, construction, and many more high-demand fields. By enrolling at SVCTE, students gain industry-recognized skills and open doors to higher wages, stronger job prospects, and a clear path to success. Explore our programs and find the right fit: SVCTE Course Offerings.
Why Choose SVCTE?
- Hands-on career training with expert instructors
- Opportunities to earn industry certifications and college credit
- Connections with local employers and career-connected learning experiences
- Earn college credit and credit towards A-G high school graduation requirements
How to Enroll
High school students can sign up through their school counselor; interested adults can call SVCTE for assistance at 408-723-6454. Don’t wait—spaces fill up fast!
Career and technical education isn’t just an education—it’s a launchpad for a successful career and a brighter future!
Season of Growth at SVAE
Right now at Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE), we’re in a season of incredible momentum. Adult learners are testing out of key subjects, preparing to graduate in May, and making strong progress in their English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Whether earning a high school diploma, building their English skills, or exploring career training programs, our students are laying the foundation for brighter futures. More importantly, they connect their education to real-life goals—creating better opportunities for themselves and their families.
Powerful National Data
Last month, we celebrated the importance of CTE Month in the February newsletter by highlighting its impact on students’ futures. In this issue, we’re taking a closer look at some powerful national data recently released by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)—data that reaffirms what we see happening every day:
- Students who complete multiple CTE courses—known as "CTE concentrators"—graduate at a rate of 96%, far above the national average.
- Many associate degree holders in CTE fields earn as much as or more than those with bachelor’s degrees.
- Our nation is projected to face a shortage of over 6 million skilled workers by 2032, especially in healthcare, construction, and advanced manufacturing.
Find more statistics in the following:
These numbers confirm what we already know: CTE is not just a pathway—it’s a critical solution to the workforce challenges ahead. At MetroED, we remain committed to preparing students of all ages with certifications, apprenticeships, and hands-on experiences that lead to meaningful, lasting careers.
Whether it’s a high school student mastering a trade at SVCTE or an adult learner at SVAE advancing in their education, we’re proud to celebrate the growth and progress in both programs daily. This newsletter highlights some of those inspiring stories and the industry partnerships and hands-on experiences that define our work.
One great way to show your support is by joining us at SVCTE’s 19th Annual Bob McTaggart Custom & Classic Car Show on Friday, May 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at 760 Hillsdale Avenue in San Jose. This fun community event supports our SVCTE SkillsUSA student competition organization, which recently saw 87 students medal at the regional level, and 128 qualify for the state competition in April. Read more about that here.
You can read more about their impressive achievements in this issue.
Thank you for being a vital part of the MetroED community. Your support helps empower students, strengthen families, and build a more vibrant future.
Erin O'Neill
Superintendent
Featured Articles
Unlock Your Future: Enroll Now for Fall 2025 at SVCTE!
Imagine a student graduating from high school with real-world skills, industry certifications, and even college credits—setting them up for success before entering the workforce or a college classroom. That’s the advantage of enrolling at SVCTE!
At SVCTE, students don’t just learn—they do. Our hands-on, career-focused programs provide training in high-demand fields like automotive technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, construction, and more. Whether you dream of designing the next groundbreaking app, caring for animals in a veterinary clinic, or fixing high-performance engines, SVCTE gives you the skills and experience to turn your passion into a profession. Explore our courses
Why SVCTE?
✅ Hands-on learning in state-of-the-art labs and workshops
✅ Taught by industry professionals with real-world experience
✅ Earn college credit and industry certifications while in high school
✅ Make valuable connections with local employers and industry leaders
✅ Gain a competitive edge in today’s job market—before you even graduate
How to Get Started
- High school students: Talk to your school counselor to sign up
- Adult learners: Call 408-723-6454 for assistance
Don’t wait—spots fill up fast! Secure your place today and take the first step toward an exciting, high-paying career.
CTE Summer Exploration: Jumpstart Your Future
Summer isn’t just a break—it’s an opportunity! SVCTE's CTE Summer Exploration Program gives students hands-on experience in high-demand industries, helping them develop real-world skills, discover new passions, and explore exciting career paths.
Whether you’re a student looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer, a parent seeking valuable opportunities for your teen, or a community member invested in workforce development, this program is designed to make an impact.
Why This Program Stands Out:
✅ Career-Ready Skills – Hands-on training in real-world industries.
✅ Earn High School Credits – 2.5 elective credits (pass/fail).
✅ Explore Career Paths – Try different fields before graduation.
✅ Top-Tier Instructors & Facilities – Learn from industry experts in cutting-edge labs.
✅ Build Confidence & Independence – Strengthen problem-solving, creativity, and career readiness.
Program Details:
- Dates: June 9 to July 3 (Monday to Thursday) (No class June 19)
- Time: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Cost: $200 per 4-day week ($150 for the week of June 19)*
- Credits Earned: 2.5 elective credits (pass/fail)
- Open to: Incoming 9th to 12th-grade students
- Register or Learn More. Scan the QR code (pictured). Spots are limited.
If you have any questions, please contact our program registrars at 408-723-6454.
*FREE for students in the following districts (grant-funded)
- Campbell Union High School District
- East Side Union High School District
- Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District
- Milpitas Unified School District
- San Jose Unified School District
- Santa Clara Unified School District
SVCTE Graduate Nathaniel Orrantia Energizes His Career with PG&E
Nathaniel Orrantia, a 2023-2024 Electrical Maintenance student from Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center, recently graduated from PG&E’s PowerPathway 2024 Entry to Electric Operations program.
PowerPathway is a workforce training program designed to prepare individuals for careers in the utility industry. The program focuses on front-line, union-represented positions in gas and electric operations, partnering with educational institutions and workforce development boards to support participants.
Orrantia admits that he entered the program with a strong foundation from SVCTE. “If it weren’t for that class, I wouldn’t have been introduced to PowerPathway,” he said. “With the guidance and resources provided by my teacher, I gained a deeper understanding of how electricity works and developed valuable skills.” To read the article, click here.
Students in Action
SVCTE Student Wellness Resources Fair
SVCTE hosted a Student Wellness Fair to support student wellness and connect them with valuable health-related resources. With 23 community partners in attendance—including Second Harvest Food Bank, the Downtown Youth Wellness Center, Youth & Family Services, and Kaiser Permanente—the event provided a space for students to engage in meaningful conversations about mental, physical, and emotional health.
It also provided an opportunity for students to learn how to care for themselves beyond the classroom. By interacting with wellness professionals and exploring resources on topics like nutrition, stress management, mental health, and with access to community programs, students walked away with tools to take control of their well-being.
What made the event especially impactful was the involvement of SVCTE students themselves. Students from Culinary Arts, Dental Assisting, Fire Science/First Responder, Mechatronics Engineering, Medical Assisting, Medical Science/Health Careers, Mobile Apps & Web Development, Nursing Careers, Pharmacy Technician, Sports Medicine & Kinesiology, and Veterinary Science led wellness-themed activities and shared knowledge gained from their CTE programs, fostering a supportive, learning environment. To look at more photos from the event, click here.
SVCTE Students Participate In Colors of Justice
Students from SVCTE’s First Responder/Fire Responder, Forensic Science, and Law Enforcement courses attended the Color of Justice event at the Santa Clara County Superior Court on February 27. The event featured a keynote address by Justice Charles E. Wilson of the California 6th District Court of Appeal, who shared his journey and encouraged students to take pride in their roles as future leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Wilson emphasized the importance of diversity and representation in the justice system, reminding students that they are not only the future—but “the colors of justice” themselves. Each participating student received a certificate of participation to honor their involvement and engagement in this experience. To look at more photos from the event, click here.
SVAE Medical Assistant Students Offer Services
In celebration of CTE Month in February, SVAE Medical Assistant students, under the instruction of teacher Dr. Nazila Safari, hosted an on-campus health clinic to provide hands-on services and engage with the school community. They visited SVAE classrooms to perform health checks, including monitoring blood pressure, pulse rates, and vital signs.
They also answered questions from their peers, offering insight into the Medical Assistant pathway and sharing what they’ve learned in the program. It was a great opportunity to inform, serve, and inspire, all while putting their training into practice. To look at more photos from the event, click here.
MetroED News and Highlights
19th Annual Bob McTaggart Custom & Classic Car Show Friday, May 2, 5-8 p.m.
Get ready to rev your engines for SVCTE's 19th Annual Bob McTaggart Custom & Classic Car Show on Friday, May 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on campus, located at 760 Hillsdale Avenue in San Jose.
This is a call for all car enthusiasts and proud owners of custom and classic marvels to showcase their passion and stand wheel-to-wheel with the best of the best. To pre-register your car, pay via Venmo @MetroED or scan the QR code on the flyer (write “Car Show” in ‘What’s this for?’) by April 23. You can also grab your tickets at the gate, opening at 4:30 p.m. Car entries are just $20, while spectators enjoy FREE admission—just remember, no pets please. Limited guest parking.
In addition to showcasing impressive cars, this event also provides support for SVCTE’s Student Competition Group SkillsUSA. Past events have raised over $10,000 to fund these initiatives. For more details about the event, view the flyer.
SVCTE Culinary Arts program selected for one of only six prestigious Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards
The Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA) announced that Metropolitan Education District’s (MetroED) Silicon Valley Career Technical Education's (SVCTE) Culinary Arts program is among one of only six 2025 award recipients of the prestigious Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards. This 41-year tradition celebrates educational programs that significantly impact student success in Santa Clara County. These exemplary honorees will be honored on May 7 at an awards dinner, held again this year on the MetroED campus and catered by Culinary Arts students.
A committee of school board members and retired superintendents scores entries from Santa Clara County school programs. Only the programs with the highest scores receive awards. This year, sixteen program applications from 14 districts were submitted.
“We were impressed by the program scope and quality of the applications that were submitted,” said SCCSBA President Carol Presunka. “The Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards are an excellent way to spread best educational practices across the county." To read the News Release, click here.
SVAE and SVCTE at Higher Education Day
SVAE and SVCTE were represented at James Lick High School’s recent Higher Education Day in the East Side Union High School District, where Arezoo Miller, SVAE Transition Specialist, engaged with juniors and seniors to showcase the diverse range of CTE and adult education programs available at MetroED.
The event served as an opportunity to raise awareness about our programs, giving students a chance to learn about the hands-on, real-world training available through SVCTE’s high school courses and SVAE’s adult education courses. Many students were excited to discover opportunities not only for themselves, but also for their adult family members.
Film & Video Production Student Angela Wells Earns First Place at Local Festival
SVCTE Film & Video Production students showcased their talent at the Luminescence Film Festival, a celebration of teen filmmakers around the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Their creativity, dedication, and storytelling were on full display, with Angela Wells from Leland High School in San Jose Unified School District earning first place out of hundreds of entries for her film "The Party’s In Here." Additionally, several other students had their films selected and screened at the festival.
Culinary Arts Students Recognized at their First-Ever CA ProStart Cup Competition
SVCTE’s Culinary Arts students received accolades during their first-ever CA ProStart Cup competition. To view more photos from the event, click here.
They won Best New School award, and students placed across multiple categories:
Name
Place
Category
School
District
Yasmin Azim
9th out of 36
Three-course meal competition (Team)
Wilcox
Santa Clara Unified
Miguel Hernandez
9th out of 36
Three-course meal competition (Team)
Lincoln
San Jose Unified
Kate Ivanov
9th out of 36
Three-course meal competition (Team)
Leigh
Campbell Union High
Silas Jones
9th out of 20
Branham
Campbell Union
Hazel Katlik
5th out of 20
Wienerschnitzel Dress Your Dog
Santa Clara
Santa Clara Unified
Ashley Lee
17th out of 24
Loaded Idaho Baked Potatoe
Leland
San Jose Unified
Takara Mullins (Team manager)
9th out of 36
Three-course meal competition (Team)
Santa Clara
Santa Clara Unified
Wendy Regalado
9th out of 36
Three-course meal competition (Team)
James Lick
East Side Union
Fashion Design & Textile Art Student Featured in Los Altos High School Newspaper
SVCTE Fashion Design & Textile Art student Isaiah Somera from Los Altos High School in Mountain View-Los Altos Unified School District was featured in the high school’s Talon Newspaper about how his passion formed and led him to explore this career path.
“His style, his beautiful long hair, his jewelry, it’s a very intentional reflection of who he is. You just get a sense that he’s very comfortable in his own skin. That comes with the way he presents himself to the world.” -Johnny Paul Vera, SVCTE Fashion Design & Textile Art teacher, shares in the article
(Photo courtesy of Isaiah Somera)
Joell Hanson Named Association for California School Administrators Region 8 CTE Administrator of the Year!
Joell Hanson, MetroED Director of Workforce Development and Grants, has been named CTE Administrator of the Year by Region 8 of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).
She will be recognized at the ACSA Region 8 Awards Celebration on April 25 alongside other outstanding 2024-2025 awardees. ACSA is the leading organization for school administrators in California, advocating for quality education and professional development.
Join Our Team
Positions are Available at MetroED!
We are currently seeking applicants that would be an excellent fit for our team. The district pays full health benefits to eligible employees and their dependents, including dental, life, and an employee assistance program. You can click below to learn more.
MetroED Current Openings
- Adult Education Substitute Teacher
- Classified Substitute
- Classified Substitute - Evening
- CTE/ROP Substitute Teacher- In Person
- Custodian (PM), M-F 4:00 p.m. 12:30 a.m.
- Custodian - Substitute
- Electrical Maintenance Teacher (Adult Education) - Part-Time, T & Th 6:00-9:00 p.m.
- ESL Teacher - Co-Teacher, Medical Terminology, M & W 6:30-9:00 p.m.
- ESL Teacher (AM) Adult Education, M-F 8:30-11:45 a.m.
- ESL Teacher (PM) Adult Education, M-Th 5:45-9:00 p.m.
- High School Diploma Teacher - Adult Education. M-F 8:30-11:45 a.m.
MetroED Governing Board Information
MetroED Governing Board Meeting
To see past meeting minutes and agendas, please visit our webpage. You can also view upcoming MetroED Governing Board meeting agendas and Governing Board Policies.
Next meeting: Wed., April 9 at 6:00 p.m. | In-person, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201
Upcoming Dates
March 31 | Cesar Chavez Day (Observed), No classes SVCTE
April 7 | Spring Day (Local Holiday) Campus Closed
April 8-11 | Spring Break, No Classes SVAE & SVCTE
April 6-12 | Adult Education Week
Proud Partnership With:
MetroED | metroed.net
Metropolitan Education District | 760 Hillsdale Avenue Superintendent's Office Building 400 | San Jose, CA 95136 US
SVCTE Alumni Nathaniel Orrantia Powers Up His Future with PG&E
Nathaniel Orrantia, a 2023-2024 Electrical Maintenance student from Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center, recently graduated from PG&E’s PowerPathway 2024 Entry to Electric Operations program.
PowerPathway is a workforce training program designed to prepare individuals for careers in the utility industry. The program focuses on front-line, union-represented positions in gas and electric operations, partnering with educational institutions and workforce development boards to support participants.
Orrantia admits that he entered the program with a strong foundation from SVCTE. “If it weren’t for that class, I wouldn’t have been introduced to PowerPathway,” he said. “With the guidance and resources provided by my teacher, I gained a deeper understanding of how electricity works and developed valuable skills.”
According to Janhavi Pendse, PowerPathway Program Manager, “Approximately 86 percent of our grads have been hired by PG&E or the utility industry at large. Our program is diverse, with 40 percent of graduates being veterans, 11 percent women, and 72 percent identifying as people of color.”
During the eight-week training, Orrantia faced new challenges, particularly the job's physical demands. “We dedicated two weeks to learning how to climb a wooden pole properly, something I had never done before,” he said. “With motivation from my peers and guidance from instructors, I became confident enough to climb a pole 40 feet high.”
Pendse was impressed by Orrantia’s dedication. “Despite being one of the youngest participants, he showed confidence, humility, and a willingness to learn from others with more experience,” she said.
Now working as a Hiring Hall Substation Utility Worker, Orrantia is eager to continue growing in the field. “What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to learn something new every day and apply that knowledge,” he said. “The crew I work with is incredibly supportive, always willing to teach and create an encouraging environment.”
Orrantia encourages SVCTE students to take full advantage of their education. “If you’re truly interested in the field you’re studying, invest time in learning, seek opportunities, and research the industry even outside of class.”
MetroED Press Release: SVCTE Culinary Arts program selected for one of only six prestigious Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards
San Jose, CA: The Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA) announced that Metropolitan Education District’s (MetroED) Silicon Valley Career Technical Education's (SVCTE) Culinary Arts program is among one of only six 2025 award recipients of the prestigious Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards. This 41-year tradition celebrates educational programs that significantly impact student success in Santa Clara County. These exemplary honorees will be honored on May 7 at an awards dinner, held again this year on the MetroED campus and catered by Culinary Arts students.
A committee of school board members and retired superintendents scores entries from Santa Clara County school programs. Only the programs with the highest scores receive awards. This year, sixteen program applications from 14 districts were submitted.
“We were impressed by the program scope and quality of the applications that were submitted,” said SCCSBA President Carol Presunka. “The Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards are an excellent way to spread best educational practices across the county. "
These awards, named after the former county superintendent (1967 to 1984), exemplify Dr. Hoffmann’s strong belief in educational leadership as the key to educational reform.
“Being honored with the Glenn W. Hoffmann Award highlights the dedication of our students, the passion of teacher Danielle Clark, and the impact of hands-on, career-focused education,” said MetroED Superintendent Erin O’Neill. “This program not only equips students with essential culinary skills but also fosters creativity, teamwork, and leadership.”
The Culinary Arts program offers various learning activities in today’s commercial food services and hospitality industry. It focuses on academic, technical, and employability practices for beginning and second-year advanced students. The program equips students with essential kitchen skills, including safety, sanitation, knife techniques, experimentation, and food preparation in a state-of-the-art kitchen. Students receive certifications, including the ServSafe Food Handler card and the ServSafe Manager’s certificate.
Culinary students participate in community catering events and projects like the SVCTE High Tea event. They also operate The Hub, an entrepreneurial venture offering SVCTE students and staff breakfasts and beverages, applying customer service, teamwork, and high-pressure problem-solving skills. Students further hone their skills by competing in culinary competitions, earning recognition in regional, statewide, and national events, including recently at the SkillsUSA regional competition and CA ProStart Cup.
The Glenn W. Hoffmann Award recognizes the outstanding impact of SVCTE’s Culinary Arts program on student success and career readiness. By integrating hands-on learning, industry connections, and real-world competition experience, the program prepares students to excel in the dynamic culinary field.
Learn more about the Culinary Arts program in a video here.
Last school year, SVCTE’s Fashion Design & Textile Art program was a Hoffmann Award winner.
About Metropolitan Education District: MetroED is a regional provider of Career Technical Education (CTE) and Adult Education. We are the largest career-oriented education organization in Northern California for high school and adult students. Annually, MetroED provides nearly 2,000 diverse students with the skills to help them be productive, income-earning and tax-paying contributors to Silicon Valley. Register for a free campus tour or get more information at www.metroed.net
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