Did you know that February is Career and Technical Education Month? Throughout the month of February, we will put a spotlight on outstanding CTE programs across the state in an effort to educate our readers on what’s available for students and the importance of maintaining funding for these efforts.
In a region where aviation, logistics, and advanced manufacturing are critical to the local economy, Aldine ISD is preparing students for high-demand careers through its Aviation Maintenance & Aerospace Support Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, one of only a few K-12 offerings of its kind in Texas.
Launched at Davis High School, Aldine’s aviation and aeronautics course gives students hands-on exposure to flight and aerospace concepts, including the use of flight simulators and introductory aeronautics coursework. Rather than limiting instruction to just theory, the program immerses students in real-world aviation fundamentals, helping them explore careers that range from aircraft maintenance and piloting to aerospace engineering and logistics.
That hands-on approach was further strengthened in 2024 when Aldine ISD announced a partnership with United Flight Systems, a Houston-based flight training provider. Through this collaboration, students gain insight into professional flight training pathways and industry expectations, connecting classroom learning directly to postsecondary and workforce opportunities in aviation. These kinds of partnerships are especially valuable in a field where early exposure and technical knowledge can open doors to long-term, family-sustaining careers.
Aldine’s aviation pathway is part of a broader districtwide commitment to high-quality CTE. The district was recently named a CTE District of Distinction for the second consecutive year, a recognition that reflects the strength of its career programs across multiple industries, including technology, manufacturing, and aviation. In addition, Aldine ISD leaders have highlighted CTE initiatives at recent board meetings, showcasing the district’s focus on industry certifications, internships, and apprenticeship-aligned experiences for students.
Aldine ISD’s aviation program shows what strong CTE looks like in practice with innovative instruction, meaningful industry partnerships, and a clear line from the classroom to the workforce, all while expanding opportunity for students in one of Texas’s most important economic regions.