At Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School students are doing more than just working toward a diploma. These students are building skills that will help them succeed in real careers after graduation. Through Edison’s CTE programs, seniors are getting a head start on life, whether they’re planning to go to college, start a job, or both.
These programs include a wide range of fields like robotics, web design, medical assisting, architectural drafting, and more. Students learn through hands-on projects, certifications, internships, and classroom lessons that connect to the real world.
Assia Bouabd, a senior in the Architectural Drafting program, said she picked her CTE path because it mixes art, math, and design—three things she’s passionate about.
“I chose this program because I was interested in all the different components that make up architecture,” Bouabd said. “It has shaped my way of seeing the world. Everything I learn in class I apply to the real world.”
For students like Bouabd, CTE isn’t just about school—it’s about seeing how what they’re learning matters outside of the classroom.
Ameera Khan, a senior in the Web Design and Development program. She chose it because she wanted to learn how to code and build websites.
“I chose this program because I was interested in coding and learning more about it,” Khan said.
Khan’s biggest achievement was being accepted into the Pathfinders Internship, a program that gave her real work experience in tech. Even though she’s planning to switch paths and study nursing after graduation, she still believes what she learned in web design will help her in the future.
“Even though I’m going into a different field which is Nursing, I learned how to work hard, manage my time, and think creatively,” Khan said.
Chase Noel, a senior in the Robotics CTE program, said the program helped him explore different areas of engineering like mechanical and electrical. He chose robotics because he wanted to deepen his understanding of how machines work and how to build them.
“It has given me a good taste of what to expect in engineering fields,” Noel said. “I feel accustomed to working with others on projects and knowledgeable about the industry I want to pursue.”
Noel also shared how Edison helped him grow as a person. Being part of clubs and events helped him get out of his shell and meet people with similar interests.
“It has given me opportunities to learn more about myself through clubs and events,” Noel said. “I’ve both grown out of my shell and been able to network with people who have connections.”
Harshita Rawal is in the Medical Assisting CTE program. She has always wanted to be in the healthcare field, and Edison gave her the chance to explore that dream early.
“I have always been interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, and this seemed like a great opportunity to get familiar with the field,” Rawal said.
Through her program, she interned at New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital and earned two major certifications: the NOCTI and the NHA Medical Assisting Certification. These credentials mean she could work in the medical field right after high school if she wanted to. But she has even bigger plans—Rawal is heading to college to study pre-med and then go on to medical school.
“It has allowed me to get a taste of what healthcare is like and has also provided me with a certification that would allow me to work in the healthcare field right after high school,” Rawal explained.
All four students shared how their programs helped them become more prepared, confident, and ready for life after Edison. The mix of hands-on learning, real-world experience, and strong teacher support has helped them turn their interests into real skills. The same skills are leading to jobs, internships, and college opportunities.
With graduation around the corner, senior students like Assia Bouabd, Ameera Khan, Chase Noel, and Harshita Rawal are ready for the next big step in their lives. Thanks to Edison’s strong CTE programs, they won’t just be leaving high school with memories but a plan.
