The DeSoto Parish School System provides students with meaningful opportunities to experience a “real-life” work environment through its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These programs are designed to bridge classroom learning with hands-on, practical experiences that prepare students for life beyond graduation.
At Logansport High School, CTE is an integral part of the daily learning experience. Students have access to a wide range of courses, including Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), Welding, Carpentry, Certified Internet Web Professional (CIW), Virtual Workplace Experience, and Entrepreneurship—ensuring that every student is exposed to career-focused learning aligned to real-world needs.
High Performance Sparks: Welding the Future
High school welding classes prepare students for the future by teaching hands-on technical skills, critical thinking, and workplace safety. Through blueprint reading, precision measurements, and proper tool usage, students develop skills that are transferable across numerous career pathways.
Mr. Chris Fletcher, a welding instructor serving Logansport, Stanley, and Mansfield, emphasizes the real impact of the program.
“Students do get jobs upon graduation—and some even before they graduate,” Fletcher shared.
Beyond technical training, welding builds responsibility, teamwork, and confidence. Students are exposed to high-demand careers, apprenticeships, and postsecondary pathways in both trade and college settings.
Preparing for the Future Through Real-World Application
A defining strength of Logansport High School’s CTE programs is the opportunity for students to apply what they are learning through internships and virtual workplace experiences. These opportunities connect students directly with local business and industry partners, allowing them to gain firsthand exposure to professional environments while still in high school.
"When they take these jobs, we work with partners to show them what their future could be and the investment they are making with these plants. I think that is very important."
Through internships, job shadowing, and simulated workplace experiences, students practice communication, problem-solving, and time management—skills essential to long-term success. These partnerships ensure learning does not stop at the classroom door and reinforce the district’s commitment to preparing students for life, not just graduation.
Emergency Medical Responders:Learning to Serve
An Emergency Responder class teaches students the basic skills needed to provide immediate care in medical emergencies. The course covers topics such as CPR, first-aid, patient assessment, and handling trauma situations. This class serves as a stepping stone for not only further training in emergency medical services but also making a difference in the community.
Beyond the classroom, EMR students highlight the complexity of the tools and processes learned in the class, further emphasizing the seriousness of practicing medicine.
“ I'm learning how to keep people alive. I get to work on the ambulance and do other fun stuff! I'm learning skills that I can use in and out of the workforce.”
Teaching With Heart- A Positive and Caring Culture
Getting a jump start is crucial to any career, the students taking the class are introduced to the basics of emergency medical practices that will help them in their first steps to beginning a career in the medical field.
“It gives you plenty of stories to add to the curriculum so that the students are able to see that this is, in fact, real life.”
In a classroom built on a positive and caring culture, Mrs. Shinault doesn’t just contribute— she strengthens it.
Empowering Students for the Real World
Dr. Joshua Sims, principle of Logansport High School, takes immense pride in the schools CTE opportunities for his students.....
"It gives them a chance."
Students enrolled in Logansport High School are ensured some aspect of a CTE program.
Dr. Sims claims "It's expected, and honestly a requirement".
These programs help students discover their strengths, gain hands-on experience, and gain confidence in their abilities. CTE prepares students for both college and the workforce by introducing students to reality.
"When you leave here, you will have this."
CTE courses give students a clear vision for their future and shows them that success can take many meaningful pathways!