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Cedar Crest HS Plans Career-Focused Curriculum Overhaul

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 16:32 GMT by LancasterOnline

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Cedar Crest, PA - January 8th, 2026 - Cedar Crest High School is poised to undergo significant curriculum changes, focusing heavily on career and technical education (CTE) and college readiness, as outlined in a presentation delivered to the school board on Monday evening. Principal Dr. Kevin Grow presented a roadmap for potential new courses slated for the 2026-2027 school year, emphasizing preparation for in-demand jobs within the Lancaster County region.

The core of Dr. Grow's proposal centers around bolstering CTE programs, recognizing the increasing need for skilled professionals in various sectors. The administration is actively exploring pathways in four key areas: advanced manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and finance. This isn't happening in a vacuum; Cedar Crest is collaborating closely with the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center to ensure alignment with regional workforce needs and to potentially share resources and expertise. This partnership is crucial, as it allows Cedar Crest to avoid duplicating existing programs and instead focus on complementary offerings.

"We're really trying to build things that are going to get our students prepared for high-demand jobs in our area," Dr. Grow stated, underlining the practical application driving these curriculum adjustments. The shift reflects a broader national trend toward bridging the gap between education and employment, providing students with tangible skills directly applicable to the workforce. While a traditional liberal arts education remains vital, the addition of strong CTE options gives students who prefer hands-on learning a clear path toward a successful career immediately following graduation.

Beyond traditional trades, Dr. Grow also proposed the introduction of an Esports program. This reflects a growing student interest in competitive gaming and acknowledges the burgeoning Esports industry, which presents opportunities in areas such as game design, event management, and digital marketing. While often viewed as simply entertainment, Esports fosters teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills - attributes highly valued by employers.

Furthermore, Cedar Crest aims to significantly expand its dual enrollment program. This initiative would allow high school students to simultaneously earn college credit, reducing the overall cost of higher education and accelerating their academic progress. The benefits of dual enrollment are multi-faceted. Students gain exposure to college-level coursework, develop stronger study habits, and potentially enter university with a substantial head start. This expansion aligns with the district's commitment to college accessibility and affordability.

However, the realization of these ambitious plans hinges on securing both school board approval and adequate funding. Dr. Grow explained that the financial resources would be sourced from a combination of grant applications and allocations from the district's general fund. Competition for grant funding is fierce, and the school board will need to carefully weigh the costs and benefits of each proposed program. A detailed budget analysis will be required to demonstrate the long-term sustainability of these initiatives.

"We're still in the early stages of developing these programs," Dr. Grow cautioned, acknowledging that further planning and refinement are necessary. "But we're excited about the potential to offer our students more opportunities." The timeline for implementation will depend on funding availability and board approvals, but the administration hopes to have at least some of the new programs in place by the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. Community input will also be sought throughout the process to ensure that the new courses meet the needs and expectations of students, parents, and local employers. The school is planning a series of town hall meetings in the coming months to gather feedback and address any concerns.