The Allied Health Science pathway reflects this approach. Students entering the program in ninth grade can begin earning dual credits through MCTS while building technical knowledge in healthcare.
“Our pathway connects career-focused coursework with a general health science associate degree program, allowing students to earn up to 60 credits before moving into specialized fields such as nursing, radiography, or phlebotomy,” says Charles Powell, Superintendent.
Beyond the core curriculum, students also gain exposure to biomedical science through Project Lead the Way courses, including principles of biomedical science, human body systems, medical interventions, and medical innovations. This combination allows students to explore multiple areas within healthcare before deciding where their interests and skills may lead.
MCTS applies the same philosophy across its academies. Students in the Army JROTC pathway, for example, gain leadership experience while also exploring areas such as computer science, engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics, and drone technology. These opportunities demonstrate how career education can prepare students for different possibilities, whether they pursue higher education, employment, or specialized training.
Building Programs around Real-World Demand
The expansion of MCTS programs is driven by conversations with employers, workforce organizations, and community partners. The district regularly evaluates workforce trends, labor projections, student interest, and industry needs to determine where new opportunities should be created.
Healthcare has been one area of significant growth. After receiving strong interest from students, MCTS expanded its Allied Health pathway capacity and began developing veterinary health technology as part of its Health Science Academy. The goal is to provide more students access to career-focused education while responding to demand in both human and animal healthcare fields.
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Our pathway connects career-focused coursework with a general health science associate degree program, allowing students to earn up to 60 credits before moving into specialized fields such as nursing, radiography, or phlebotomy.
The district is also expanding opportunities in skilled trades. Through partnerships with workforce organizations and industry groups, MCTS is developing a shared-time masonry program while continuing to strengthen offerings in areas such as electrical, carpentry, welding, and HVAC. These programs are designed around the needs of the local economy and provide students with practical skills connected to real careers.
A Team Focused on Innovation
The growth of MCTS is supported by collaboration between administrators, teachers, and industry partners. Since joining the district in 2022, Superintendent Charles Powell has worked with his team to build a culture where educators are encouraged to explore new ideas and pursue opportunities that benefit students.
That mindset helped the district secure an artificial intelligence career pathways grant from the state, one of only two awards provided among New Jersey’s 21 technical schools. Powell believes that taking on ambitious goals requires commitment from everyone involved.
“Challenge accepted. We are going to go after this. We are going to give it our full effort, and we are going to make this happen for this county,” says Powell.
Teachers remain central to this work. As professionals with industry experience, CTE instructors bring practical knowledge into curriculum development and classroom instruction. Through advisory boards and employer partnerships, they help ensure programs reflect the skills businesses need today and in the future.
Preparing Students for What Comes Next
MCTS also invests in its educators by supporting professional development, leadership opportunities, and participation in career technical student organizations. These efforts strengthen the connection between classroom learning and industry expectations.
Through its focus on opportunity, collaboration, and workforce alignment, Mercer County Technical Schools continues to expand what career education can offer students. The district has been named Top Career and Technical School for 2026, recognizing its continued commitment to creating pathways that help students build skills, pursue goals, and prepare for the next stage of their journeys.
