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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

All week I have been thinking about the teachers. I remember Claire Pelton, the English teacher who first told me I was a writer, and it has been a part of my identity ever since.    It is hard to single out just one teacher, as I am so fortunate to have had so many… Continue reading Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

CAST Tech’s Lisa Jones Named 2023-24 SAISD Teacher of the Year

On Thursday, SAISD celebrated its educators with its annual “Teacher of the Year” award ceremony. Friends, family and peers of teachers who had been nominated for the award gathered to cheer on their fellow educators. Among those nominated this year was CAST Tech’s Lisa Jones, who, earlier this year, was named CAST Tech’s 2023-24 Teacher… Continue reading CAST Tech’s Lisa Jones Named 2023-24 SAISD Teacher of the Year

Creating A Legacy through CAST Students

Last Wednesday, I, along with many industry partners, parents, and interested adults, gathered at CAST Tech High School to hear students present as part of a year-long “Legacy project.”   Students are asked to spend a year in teams exploring ways to make their school or community stronger to leave behind a Legacy. Most of… Continue reading Creating A Legacy through CAST Students

CAST Tech Seniors Showcase Legacy Projects

On Wednesday, CAST Tech Seniors had the opportunity to present their year-long legacy projects to their friends, classmates, and family. Students gathered in crowds to listen to how each group wanted to leave a legacy after graduating from CAST Tech. A few weeks ago, the seniors had a chance to reflect on their projects and… Continue reading CAST Tech Seniors Showcase Legacy Projects

CAST Announces New ‘College Assistance Program’

Last year, my husband, Mike Villarreal, and I created a small fund for a graduate of a CAST School who faced gaps in affording a 4-year college. Every year at CAST we hear stories of individual students who weren’t aware of hidden fees, such as for health care or books, or simply need a bit… Continue reading CAST Announces New ‘College Assistance Program’

Equipping Students for Both College and Career

Last Wednesday I was honored to join CAST STEM Principal Jacque Rodriguez, members of the Southwest ISD Board, Southwest ISD Superintendent Jeanette Ball, along with educators, parents, and importantly, top-ranking seniors from the three Southwest ISD high schools: Southwest High School, Southwest Legacy High School, and CAST STEM High School.   At the dinner honoring… Continue reading Equipping Students for Both College and Career

How CAST Lead Seniors Are Leading the Charge in Retail & Hospitality

This week at our nonprofit board meeting, we heard from 6 of our graduating seniors at CAST Lead High School. This school, with pathways in retail and hospitality management and e-commerce, opened in 2019 – the apex of the pandemic.    These young people remind me of the children’s book: The Little Engine that Could.… Continue reading How CAST Lead Seniors Are Leading the Charge in Retail & Hospitality

How CAST Med Battles Social Determinants of Health

When you think of the phrase “Social Determinants of Health”, you may not understand what that means. In fact, before the other week, even I did not know what that phrase meant. As I met with Dr. Jeanette Jacobs, a teacher at the CAST Med High School, she explained to me what this phrase meant… Continue reading How CAST Med Battles Social Determinants of Health

The Importance of Apprenticeships for CAST Students

A core belief at CAST is that college and careers are not separate, but part of a purpose-filled journey where a student explores what he or she likes to learn while also trying on different jobs for size.   An apprenticeship is an old idea that has recently gained new attention as a way for… Continue reading The Importance of Apprenticeships for CAST Students

CAST Student Spotlight: Aliana Chavez

Meet Aliana. A student at the Advanced Learning Academy, Aliana is also a member of CAST’s Student Advisory, and just recently helped coordinate CAST’s 2024 Youth Rally. When she is not studying or preparing for Student Advisory meetings, Aliana performs with the mariachi and theatre department. This is her story:   “I started at ALA… Continue reading CAST Student Spotlight: Aliana Chavez

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200 E. Basse Rd.,
San Antonio, TX 78209

For questions, email: info@castschools.com

501(c)(3) Tax Exemption Number: 82-5253554

The Centers for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) Network is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. CAST Schools are partnership schools with a focus on STEM careers, project based learning and work-based learning. Key partners include public school districts, higher education institutions, and local employers from target industries.