More Revere students pursue career programs at CVCC

by Ava Tallat-Kelpsa

Career technical education programs are giving more high school students another route to workforce experience after graduation.

In Northeast Ohio, public high schools partner with career centers to offer career-relevant classes. Revere High School and seven other local districts send students to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center in Brecksville to participate in career programs.

Revere High School Principal Doug Faris said the district’s CVCC participation has grown significantly during his 10 years at the school, increasing from about 9% to 12% of the student body to 20% for the 2026-27 school year. He said participation has increased even more in some other districts.

Faris said that Revere has the lowest rate of participation at CVCC, with other school districts such as Cuyahoga Heights having up to 44% of their student body enrolled in career programs.

“I’ve been in career technical education for 27 years now as an administrator, and I’ve seen us turn the corner a little bit in how we are viewed,” said Mike Hall, principal of CVCC. “People used to just view us as a lot of the hard trades … and that it was for just non-academic kids. But we’ve turned that corner since we get kids of all academic ranges.”

This school year, CVCC offers 26 programs, about half of which are fully enrolled, according to Faris. Some of these popular programs include cosmetology, construction trades, dental assisting and culinary arts.

“It’s really impressive what they’ve been able to do,” said Faris. “And I think that nationwide and certainly across the state, they have an increased need for trades. But even here at Revere, we’re actively promoting the programs.”

Students attend CTE classes at the career center each day, and seniors may use their second semester for internships or workforce positions.

“Most of the programs are certificate-granting, so our students can graduate with a certificate and start right away in the workforce,” Faris said.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in regional and national competitions for career technical student organizations. Leaders and representatives for Educators Rising, Business Professionals of America and HOSA-Future Health Professionals at CVCC all attended their national competitions this past year.

Despite many students’ participation in career programs, not every student chooses to immediately join the working world. According to data shared by Faris, of the 220 graduating seniors at Revere High School this past school year, 89% plan to attend college and 9% plan to enter the workforce.

“I think there’s not necessarily a separation between students who want to go to college or students who just want to work,” Hall said. “Sixty-three percent of our students [at CVCC] end up going on to postsecondary education … and some of our courses actually give students college credit at a state university.”

For Revere students, CVCC offers a path to industry credentials, internships, competitions and college credit while they are still in high school.

Photo caption: Gavin Long is a Revere student who also attends Cuyahoga Valley Career Center for half a day in the electrical systems program. Photo submitted.