About ACS Career & Technical Education
About ACS Career & Technical Education
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where Career and Technical Education bridges education and industry, producing skilled and confident graduates who excel in their careers and make lasting impacts on their communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to ignite every student’s potential and guide them toward their future aspirations through Career and Technical Education (CTE). Our programs are designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in college, lead in their careers, and thrive in life.
We achieve this by:
Building powerful partnerships with industry leaders to keep our curriculum aligned with real-world workforce needs.
Delivering industry-recognized credentials that give students a competitive edge in the job market.
Forging impactful connections that deepen community engagement and support student success.
Promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration to broaden skills and encourage creative problem-solving.
Enhancing communication between educators and industry partners while fostering critical thinking through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
Guiding students to become CTE Concentrators who complete two or more courses in a focused program of study—ready to excel in high-demand professions.
As a result, graduates leave our programs not just career-ready, but life-ready—armed with the confidence, adaptability, and expertise to succeed in any path they choose.
The Seven C's
The Seven C's of CTE: A Framework for Success
What are the Seven C's of CTE?
CTE thrives when deeply integrated with the local community. This means understanding local workforce needs, engaging with businesses and industry leaders, and providing opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world settings within their community. Strong community partnerships ensure that CTE programs are relevant and responsive to economic demands, leading to meaningful employment opportunities for graduates.
Building strong connections is vital for student success. This includes linking academic knowledge to technical skills, connecting students with mentors and professionals in their chosen fields, and fostering relationships between students and potential employers. Effective connections bridge the gap between education and employment, creating clear pathways for students to achieve their career goals.
Collaboration is at the heart of effective CTE. This involves working together across various stakeholders: students, educators, parents, employers, and community organizations. Through collaborative efforts, we can develop innovative curricula, share resources, and create enriching learning experiences that prepare students for the collaborative nature of the modern workforce.
Earning industry-recognized credentials is a cornerstone of CTE. These certifications, licenses, and degrees validate a student's skills and knowledge, making them more competitive in the job market. Focusing on credentials ensures that students graduate with tangible proof of their readiness for specific occupations, accelerating their entry into the workforce.
A robust and relevant curriculum is essential for CTE success. The curriculum must be rigorous, aligned with industry standards, and incorporate both academic and technical skills. It should be dynamic, adapting to evolving industry needs and incorporating hands-on, project-based learning to engage students and prepare them for real-world challenges.
Effective communication is paramount in CTE. This includes teaching students strong professional communication skills (written, verbal, and digital), fostering clear communication between educators and industry partners, and ensuring transparent communication about program goals and student progress. Strong communication skills are critical for career success and effective teamwork.
CTE programs are designed to support "concentrators"– students who complete a sequence of courses within a specific career pathway. Focusing on concentrators ensures that students gain in-depth knowledge and skills in a chosen field, leading to specialized expertise and a clear advantage when entering the workforce or pursuing further education in that area.
Questions? Contact the CTE Leadership Team:
Dr. Ivry Cheeks
Director of Career and Technical Education
(828) 350-2542
ivry.cheeks@acsgmail.net
Cody Cheek
Curriculum and Instruction Management Coordinator
cody.cheek@acsgmail.net
Trina Jackson
Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Asheville High School and SILSA
trina.jackson@acsgmail.net
Farris Rogers
Career Development Coordinator
William Randolph Campus
farris.rogers@acsgmail.net