George Stevens Academy- Career & Technical Education on the Blue Hill Peninsula

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WOODWORKING

WELDING

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT*

DIGITAL ARTS

MARINE SCIENCE

A student can learn a trade here, on the peninsula, starting in ninth grade — and still take AP Calculus.

Welding, woodworking, engine technology, audio and video production, marine science, culinary arts, and health occupations — taught here in Blue Hill, by teachers your student will see at the post office. Plus Hancock County Technical Center, scientific research with the Shaw Institute, and internships with employers ten minutes from home.

THE GSA CTE “FOUR PILLARS”:

  • The future marine biologist alongside the future boatbuilder —

    Ocean Studies/EMSP, AP Environmental Science, Scientific Research w/ Shaw Institute, boatbuilding carpentry (F27), marine systems (F27), welding (pending MMA dual-enrollment), aquaculture pre-apprenticeships.

    Current and Potential Partners: Shaw Institute, Maine Maritime Academy, Brooklin Boat Yard, The Apprenticeshop, Deer Isle Oyster Co.

    Pathways: College of the Atlantic, UMaine, Bath Iron Works, MDI Bio Lab, EMCC, paid apprenticeship.

  • The future architect alongside the future carpenter —

    Design & engineering technology; audio, video, and music production; Architectural Design Studio (Phase 2), carpentry (F27); building trades; engine technology; electrical & plumbing apprenticeship pathway.

    Current and Potential Partners: Hewes & Company, John H. Gray Electrical & Plumbing, M.E. Astbury, peninsula architecture firms, regional electrical & mechanical contractors, HCTC (diesel).

    Pathways: RISD, UMaine, WPI, Northeastern, Roger Williams, apprenticeship employment, OSHA-10, EMCC carpentry articulation.

  • The future surgeon alongside the future CNA —

    AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry Honors (pre-med),

    Health Occupations I, Health Occupations II, career internship.

    Current and Potential Partners: Northern Light Health, Parker Ridge, MDI Bio Lab, local nursing facilities and organizations, EMCC & Husson articulation, selective pre-med pathways.

    Pathways: Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, UMaine, UNE pre-med; CNA license (hireable at 16); LPN/RN; MDI Bio Lab apprenticeship.

  • The future filmmaker alongside the future audio engineer —

    Photography I/II, Video Tech, Animation, Audio & Music Production, AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art & Design, Computer Science (CS50x). Phase 2: software for architecture/engineering.

    Current and Potential Partners: Husson, EMCC/SMCC digital media, WERU Community Radio, regional production companies, Adobe Education.

    Pathways: RISD, MassArt, SCAD, BU, Emerson; Adobe Certified Pro; freelance creative work.

Click to magnify.

Download the U.S. Department of Education’s 16 CTE Career Clusters Quick Reference Guide here.

Our Certified Nursing Assistant program is certified by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

FAQ’s:

  • Career & Technical Education (CTE) goes far beyond welding and electrical work—it includes programs in health care, construction management, maritime specialties, and much more.

    The U.S. Department of Education defines Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs as a sequence of courses that integrate core academic knowledge with technical and occupational skills to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers.

  • CTE prepares students for high-demand, high-paying careers. Many CTE programs lead directly to jobs earning $50,000-$100,000+ annually in fields like nursing, cybersecurity, aviation maintenance, and advanced manufacturing—often without requiring a four-year degree. As of February 2024, there were 8 million open positions in the labor market with only 6.5 million unemployed Americans, largely because employers can't find people with the needed skills.

  • Yes! CTE students can earn industry certifications and college credits that save families thousands of dollars and give students a head start on career or college paths.

  • 80% of CTE concentrator students pursue higher education after high school. CTE provides practical skills and career clarity that make college more focused and affordable, not an either/or choice.

  • Programs now cover health sciences (30% of CTE certificates), computer programming, robotics, digital media, information technology (29% of high school graduates participate), business management, and much more—not just traditional trades.

  • There's a critical shortage of skilled workers across industries and all over the nation. CTE graduates often have multiple job offers before graduation, giving them real economic security. Research shows CTE participation is positively related to higher annual earnings.

  • CTE concentrators are 21-25 percentage points more likely to graduate high school on time than their peers. In states like Utah, CTE concentrators graduate at a 96.8% rate compared to the statewide average of 88.8%. In Oregon, 97.7% of students who completed CTE programs graduated. Hands-on, career-connected learning helps students see the purpose behind their education.

  • CTE provides a proven pathway to the middle class and beyond, especially for students who might not otherwise see clear opportunities after high school. Research shows CTE provides the greatest boost to boys and students from low-income families.

Are you interested in supporting our growing CTE Program through instruction, advisory, or by donation?

Fill out this form, and our CTE Coordinator will respond with more info.