SAN DIEGO, CA — The ribbon has been cut on an innovative space at Westview High School, ushering in future opportunities to prepare students for careers in science and engineering.
On Friday, Poway Unified School District and Westview High students, staff, families, and partners celebrated the opening of the school’s new Career Technical Education (CTE) building, which will house hands-on learning for students and offer programs focused on real-world career pathways.
Poway Unified Superintendent Dr. Ben Churchill says the new building reflects the district’s commitment to creating experiences for students that reflect the world they will enter after high school.
“This facility represents the continued expansion of world-class learning opportunities across Poway Unified,” says Churchill. “These classrooms were designed to support hands-on instruction and collaboration. There is so much taking place in these classrooms. Students are exploring future careers, and they’re building technical skills. These classrooms will support learning in areas of engineering and robotics, giving students opportunities to think critically, collaborate, and solve real-world problems.”
The 4,288-square-foot facility features instructional space designed to support modern teaching and learning needs. It prioritizes flexibility, technology integration, and hands-on learning environments meant to adapt as programs evolve, supporting a range of instructional approaches and unique student experiences.
The approximately $17.4 million-facility was funded through the Community Facilities Districts. Associate Superintendent of Business Support Services Eric Dill calls the project a true team effort across several partners and staff.
“I want to thank our architects and construction partners, our district facilities and operations staff,” says Dill. “Their collaboration ensured the facility meets both current needs and long-term goals. We’re proud of the work that went into this building and excited about the learning that will continue to happen here every day.”
Guests were given tours of the facility by Westview High students, who provided demonstrations of their work in engineering and robotics and shared how the building and programs have helped facilitate their learning.
Programs like that at Westview High will help prepare students with the skills needed to excel in the workforce of the future, says PUSD Board of Education President Michelle O’Connor-Ratcliff.
“In addition to great facilities, Career Technical Education plays an essential role in preparing students for the economy of today and tomorrow. High-quality CTE programs like ours expose students to in-demand fields, develop technical and transferable skills, and create multiple pathways to success after graduation,” says O’Connor-Ratcliff. “This building represents an opportunity for students to explore interests and prepare for what comes next. We are proud of what this space offers today and confident in the impact it will have for years to come.”