Killeen ISD Career & Technical Education proudly hosted the 2025 Future Ready Career Exploration Event on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Skipcha Elementary School—welcoming 437 students and family members for an exciting morning of hands-on learning, career exploration, and community engagement.
Elementary students in grades 4–7 rotated through a wide variety of CTE program stations, each intentionally designed to help them imagine their future pathways in high school and beyond. Families engaged with teachers, current CTE students, and industry partners, all of whom showcased real-world skills through interactive, career-focused demonstrations.
One of the most inspiring parts of the event was watching KISD’s high school CTE students step into leadership roles, guiding and mentoring the younger learners throughout the morning.
Automotive students—including three young women—led multiple demonstration stations, teaching students about the skills they develop in the program and guiding hands-on activities such as changing a tire.
Teaching & Training students facilitated age-appropriate lessons that mirrored the daily experience of an elementary classroom.
Robotics students demonstrated foundational building techniques and robot maneuvering challenges, igniting interest in STEM and engineering careers.
AVID students assisted across a variety of stations, helping younger participants engage confidently in each hands-on activity.
Listening to these meaningful conversations between high school mentors and elementary students was truly heartwarming, students sharing the knowledge they’ve gained and proudly passing it on to the next generation. For Charlotte Heinze, Killeen ISD CTE Coordinator, watching these interactions unfold was both exciting and deeply rewarding, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact CTE has on inspiring future learners.
Participants also had the opportunity to explore numerous career fields, including:
STEM, Robotics, and Engineering, supported by KCC Robotic students and Instructor Mr. Tibbitts.
Automotive Technology, supported by KCC Automotive students and Instructor Mr. Terry
Dental Assisting, in partnership with Smile Doctors
Health Science, supported by Darnall Army Medical Center
Business, Marketing & Finance, represented by Navy Federal Credit Union
Culinary Arts, led by the Central Texas College Culinary Program
Education & Training, supported by KCC TAFE students (Education Program)
Law Enforcement
…and many additional pathways available throughout KISD CTE programs.
These hands-on demonstrations allowed young learners to explore tools, equipment, and real-world applications across multiple careers. Students left with a clearer vision of the possibilities that await them in middle school and high school CTE programs, building excitement for future learning and leadership opportunities.
A special thank-you goes out to Ms. Ariel Woods, Skipcha Elementary Campus Principal, for graciously hosting this year’s event on her campus. We also extend our appreciation to our community partners, campus teachers and staff, industry partners, student ambassadors, and every family who joined us. Your continued support helps us inspire the next generation of creators, thinkers, and leaders—and ensures every student can envision a future filled with opportunity.
Killeen ISD CTE looks forward to continuing this tradition and empowering students to dream big, explore boldly, and discover what’s possible in their future careers.