DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT:
ELIZABETHTOWN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Expanding Opportunities for Students Through Legislative Support
Located in Hardin County, Elizabethtown Independent Schools (EIS) has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence dating back to 1806. However, before 2022, the district faced challenges in offering career and technical education (CTE) opportunities due to a lack of state funding. That all changed with legislative support, which opened the door for new career pathways, cutting-edge technology, and hands-on learning experiences for students.
The Power of CTE Funding
For over 219 years, Elizabethtown Independent Schools (EIS) has been committed to excellence in education, ensuring students have the resources and support they need to thrive. However, prior to 2022, access to career and technical education (CTE) programs was limited, leaving students without essential pathways to prepare for high-demand careers.
That changed with LAVEC and Supplemental CTE funding, which allowed EIS to revolutionize its approach to career readiness. With new career pathways, cutting-edge technology, and expanded project-based learning, students are now receiving hands-on experience in health sciences, education, and JROTC, among other fields. These enhancements not only open doors for students but also strengthen community partnerships and support regional workforce development.
Through strategic planning, legislative support, and community collaboration, Elizabethtown Independent Schools is ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore, engage, and excel in their chosen career path. This is more than an investment in education—it’s an investment in the future.
Unlocking Opportunities for Every Student
In Elizabethtown Independent Schools, students are thriving thanks to CTE Funding, which has transformed career readiness programs and expanded student opportunities. Before receiving LAVEC and Supplemental CTE funding, EIS struggled to provide comprehensive CTE options. Now, students have access to three new pathways that align with workforce demands:
✔ Health Science Pathway – Students interested in the medical field now receive hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, preparing them for real-world careers in healthcare.
✔ Education Pathway – This pathway supports students pursuing teaching careers, helping to address teacher shortages while equipping future educators with early classroom experience.
✔ JROTC Pathway – The addition of this program fosters leadership, discipline, and career readiness for students considering military or public service careers.
🚀 The district has also upgraded engineering and business pathways with state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing hands-on learning experiences.
In Elizabethtown Independent Schools, students are thriving thanks to CTE Funding, which has transformed career readiness programs and expanded student opportunities. Before receiving LAVEC and Supplemental CTE funding, EIS struggled to provide comprehensive CTE options. Now, students have access to three new pathways that align with workforce demands:
✔ Health Science Pathway – Students interested in the medical field now receive hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, preparing them for real-world careers in healthcare.
✔ Education Pathway – This pathway supports students pursuing teaching careers, helping to address teacher shortages while equipping future educators with early classroom experience.
✔ JROTC Pathway – The addition of this program fosters leadership, discipline, and career readiness for students considering military or public service careers.
🚀 The district has also upgraded engineering and business pathways with state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing hands-on learning experiences.
Measurable Growth, Meaningful Change
The impact of these legislative investments is evident in EIS’s student outcomes. The district has seen increased student enrollment in career pathways, leading to higher transition readiness data. In addition, the district has expanded project-based learning across all grade levels, preparing students for hands-on, real-world experiences before they even reach high school.
“This funding has completely changed what we can offer our students. They now have access to career pathways that were previously unavailable, setting them up for success beyond graduation.” – Paul Mullins, Superintendent
Stronger Together: Partnerships Powering Success
The success of CTE expansion is made possible through strong community partnerships. One standout partnership is with Baptist Health, which provided supplies and equipment to support the launch of the Health Science Pathway. These industry collaborations ensure that students are learning with real-world tools and resources, making them career-ready upon graduation.
The Road Ahead: What’s Coming Next
EIS is not stopping here. With the success of its school-based enterprise in the Business Pathway, the district is planning an expansion next year to further develop students’ entrepreneurial skills. Additional funding and partnerships will continue to enhance career pathways and broaden student opportunities for real-world learning experiences.
Shining a Light on Student Success
At Elizabethtown Independent Schools, education goes beyond the classroom—it’s about preparing students for life. Thanks to legislative support and strong community partnerships, students now have access to diverse career pathways, cutting-edge technology, and real-world learning experiences that will set them up for future success.
A special thank you to Representative Steve Bratcher and Senator Matt Deneen for their continued support of education and workforce development. Their commitment to expanding opportunities for students is making a lasting impact on our schools, communities, and the future workforce.
At Elizabethtown Independent Schools, education goes beyond the classroom—it’s about preparing students for life. Thanks to legislative support and strong community partnerships, students now have access to diverse career pathways, cutting-edge technology, and real-world learning experiences that will set them up for future success.
A special thank you to Representative Steve Bratcher and Senator Matt Deneen for their continued support of education and workforce development. Their commitment to expanding opportunities for students is making a lasting impact on our schools, communities, and the future workforce.
ELIZABETHTOWN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
The Power of CTE Funding
For more information about career and technical education in Elizabethtown Independent Schools, visit their WEBSITE.
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