Career & Technical School

Career & Technical Education (CTE) District Coordinators

Name	Levels	Contact Information	Office Location
Ms. Kimberly Hester Work-based Learning	Secondary Paseo and Southeast High School	816-418-5224 khester@kcpublicschools.org	MCTC/STEM Suite 2095
Mr. Juan Carlos Cisneros Workforce Learning	Secondary Central and East High School	816-418-5212 jcisnero@kcpublicschools.org	MCTC RM/Main Office 2086
Dr. Tara R. Nesbitt Real World Learning	Secondary LCPA and Northeast High School	816-418-5217 tnesbitt@kcpublicschools.org	MCTC RM/Main Office 2076A
Ms. Robin McDonald Elementary STEM	All Elementary and Middle Schools	816-418-5262 rmcdonal@kcpublicschools.org	MCTC RM/Main Office 2078

 

What You Can Learn in OUR Schools

KCPS Inspires Young Learners with PLTW Launch

Grades K-6

Kansas City Public Schools is excited to bring Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Launch to students in grades K–5, introducing them to a world of STEM through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.

PLTW Launch empowers elementary students to:

• Explore and Discover – Build curiosity through real-world challenges in science, technology, engineering, and math.
• Think Creatively – Use design thinking to solve problems and create innovative solutions.
• Collaborate and Communicate – Work together to share ideas and develop teamwork skills.

Through modules like Structure & Function, Light & Sound, and Computer Science, students learn to ask questions, test ideas, and develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

KCPS is committed to sparking innovation early—because the future starts now. With PLTW Launch, our youngest learners are building the foundation for success in school, careers, and life.

Robotics Competition Participants

KCPS is also a proud participant of LEGO Education and their FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) for sixth graders across the district. This global robotics program inspires innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving.

FTC empowers students to:

• Design, Build, and Program Robots – Using real-world engineering principles and cutting-edge technology.
• Collaborate and Compete – Work in teams to tackle exciting challenges and compete in regional and national events.
• Develop Future-Ready Skills – Gain experience in coding, electronics, and project management while fostering creativity and leadership.

Through FTC, KCPS students are not just learning—they’re inventing the future. 

KCPS Empowers Middle School Students with PLTW Gateway

Grades 6-8

Kansas City Public Schools is proud to offer the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Gateway curriculum for students in grades 6–8. This nationally recognized program provides hands-on, project-based learning experiences that ignite curiosity and build critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through PLTW Gateway, students explore real-world challenges in areas such as:

• Design & Modeling – Learn the engineering design process and create innovative solutions.
• Automation & Robotics – Discover how technology powers the world around us.
• App Creators – Develop coding skills and design apps that solve real problems.
• Medical Detective - Apply real-life medical detective skills as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease.

By engaging in these immersive experiences, KCPS students develop problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking skills that prepare them for success in high school, college, and careers in STEM fields.

KCPS is committed to providing every student with opportunities to dream big and achieve more. PLTW Gateway is where that journey begins.

KCPS Commitment to High School

Grades 9-12

Kansas City Public Schools continues preparing students for college, careers, and life through Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at all KCPS high schools. Each school provides unique pathways that allow students to gain hands-on experience with industry partnerships, industry certifications, and real-world skills in high-demand fields.

Here are just a few examples of CTE programs across our high schools:

• Central High School – Business Administration & Entrepreneurship, Culinary Arts, Grow Your Own (GYO) – Educator Preparation, and Information Technology & Cyber Security (ITC).
• East High School – Agriculture, Biomedical Science (PLTW), Business Administration & Entrepreneurship, Engineering (PLTW), Grow Your Own (GYO), IT & Cyber Security, and Marketing.
• Lincoln College Preparatory Academy – Biomedical Science (PLTW), Business & Entrepreneurship, Computer Science (PLTW), Engineering (PLTW), Business Administration, Grow Your Own (GYO), and IT & Cyber Security.
• Northeast High School – Biomedical Science (PLTW), Business & Entrepreneurship, Grow Your Own (GYO), IT & Cyber Security, and Marketing.
• Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts – Broadcasting, Business & Entrepreneurship, Fashion, Grow Your Own (GYO), and IT & Cyber Security.
• Southeast High School – Business & Entrepreneurship, Grow Your Own (GYO), and IT & Cyber Security.

CTE programs at KCPS ultimate goal is to allow students to explore their passions, develop technical and leadership skills, and graduate ready for success in college and careers.