Students graduating from the Houston Independent School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, as well as those headed into the military, celebrated with a first-ever signing day on Thursday.

At the inaugural event, which was held at HISD’s Barbara Jordan Career Center, CTE students announced their career choices in several high-wage, high-skills and high-demand occupations, such as: cosmetology; transportation distribution and logistics; health science; public safety, corrections and security; hospitality; and business management and administration.

“Today we are honoring our students who are entering the workforce, and who have been offered careers beyond graduation, as well those students who have chosen to enlist in the armed forces,” said Director of Career Readiness Juliet Amara. “Today we are excited to recognize those efforts, their hard work and commitment to their career choice.”

Students who have chosen service in the nation’s military also announced which branch they will enter, including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy. The CTE and Military Signing Day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of HISD’s graduating seniors as they embark on their careers.

“This is an amazing day for our students,” said Assistant Superintendent for Career Readiness Michael Love. “Making this commitment to a career is just the tip of the iceberg of what our students are doing not just to impact their lives, but to impact the Gulf Coast region.”

CTE courses provide middle and high school students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers that may not require four-year degrees. To learn more about HISD’s CTE program, visit https://www.houstonisd.org/careerreadiness.