The Houston Independent School District (HISD) will spend $100 million to build a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) center. The district plans to break ground on the center – called Southside Launchpad – in March 2027.
The district recently moved into the procurement phase after seeking bids to demolish the former Grimes Elementary site to make room for the new building. The demolition package covered demolishing the school facility, completing site work, removing debris and preparing the site for future development.
The facility will operate in tandem with the Barbara Jordan Career Center to prepare students for the workforce, providing the skills and education needed to attain high-wage, high-demand careers. The building – estimated to serve approximately 3,940 students – will cover roughly 215,000 square feet.
Plans for the CTE center prioritize equipping it with state-of-the-art equipment and resources to empower students. District officials project that it will offer dedicate courses and classrooms for hospital-grade simulation labs, advanced manufacturing and robotics, skilled trades, information technology and cybersecurity, engineering, business management and other focus areas. These spaces are expected to support up to 17 programs of study.
The facility will include other dedicated operational spaces, including a multipurpose center, kitchen and support and administration offices. HISD will make various site and water detention improvements to the area in advance of construction.
The facility will function in tandem with regular schooling, providing training and classes for students attending between two and three days of the week. Students will earn the same graduation credits as all district students. The district will provide shuttle services to and from the facility.
Photo by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
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