CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Students enrolled in Rio Americano High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) classes will soon be able to enjoy a completely renovated learning space. The current CTE building will receive a 21st century upgrade, allowing students who are currently enrolled in Rio’s medical sciences and manufacturing pathways to learn in a brand-new space. 

San Juan Unified’s CTE programs involve a sequence of courses that integrate core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge, providing students with a pathway to post-secondary education and careers.

Rio’s current medical sciences space will be renovated to resemble a hospital, giving students the opportunity to learn essential skills in a real-world setting. 

The manufacturing pathway will receive a reconfiguration of the existing space to house the current woodshop and metal shop, and allow for the addition of an innovation lab. 

“I am excited about the renovated space as the original area was designed in 1963 for a maximum of 20 students,” said pathway instructor Matt Cole. “This space just doesn’t work for the program currently, so having the room for a full class to move and work is exciting.”

Construction began prior to this school year and is well underway, with most of the electrical, plumbing and utilities work already completed. The new walls are up and construction crews are working on hanging drywall before the next phase begins. The building is anticipated to be completed in January 2023.

Check out some progress photos of construction and renderings of the new space configuration below. 

To learn more about San Juan Unified’s pathways across the district’s high schools, visit the CTE program website. 

Stay up to date with all of the district’s construction happenings by visiting www.sanjuan.edu/constructionnews.