COPPERAS COVE – One of the top school districts in Texas Career & Technical Education is home to the Bulldawg Way.
The Career & Technical Association of Texas has named Copperas Cove ISD a 2026-27 CTE District of Distinction.
“Being recognized as a CTE District of Distinction is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the incredible things happening in Copperas Cove ISD,” said Director of Career & Technical Education Robert Turner. “Over the past several years, we have made a commitment to expanding opportunities for our students through innovative programs, industry certifications, dual credit, and meaningful hands-on learning experiences.
The 2026-27 award marks the first time Copperas Cove ISD has received the prestigious award from CTAT.
Copperas Cove ISD currently offers more than 50 industry certifications across 12 career pathways through its CTE department, including manufacturing, business & marketing, teaching & training, health sciences and human services. That catalog of certifications available to students has expanded since the end of the 2024-25 school year, when it sat at approximately 35 industry certifications.
“We know that about two-thirds of our students are not interested in a four-year degree, and that they would rather pursue skills, crafts and trades,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “In a modern school climate, our CTE department is more important than ever, and we take pride in offering an opportunity for students to begin pursuing passions that can become careers. This award is a long time coming and well-deserved, reflecting on the hard work of not only Mr. Turner, but the entire CTE team for how they work to make a positive impact on every Bulldawg.”
Select career programs in CCISD, including Agricultural Science and Culinary Arts, begin in junior high school, allowing students to earn more certifications and pursue more opportunities.
For the 2026-27 school year, CCISD added EMT, Electrical Technology, Plumbing Technology and dental programs to the CTE department.
Copperas Cove ISD is in the planning year for the launch of the Copperas Cove High School P-Tech Academy, which will launch with a 50-student cohort in the 2027-28 school year. The CCHS P-Tech Academy will allow students a four-year pathway that includes real-world experience with a community-based organization or business.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our CTE teachers, the hard work of our students, and the continued support of our district leadership and community partners,” Turner said. “We are proud of what we have accomplished, but even more excited about where we are headed.”
For more information on Copperas Cove ISD’s award-winning career programs, parents and students are encouraged to visit CCISD.com/CTE.