FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is it West-MEC?
West-MEC (Western Maricopa Education Center) is a public school district that is dedicated to providing students innovative Career and Technical Education programs that will prepare them to enter the workforce and pursue continuing education.
How is West-MEC funded?
We operate under the same laws and regulations as all public school districts in Arizona. Governed by a seven-member board, we are funded by taxes and state aid, based on student enrollment. More than 26,000 students from 40 high schools across almost 4,300 square miles are currently enrolled in West-MEC Career and Technical Education courses.
What is Career and Technical Education?
Career and Technical Education, known as CTE, is real-world job training and leadership development. CTE is a premier education model, incorporating academic and technical skills, as well as critical workplace skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. Students engage in interactive career preparation lessons and leadership associations called Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). CTSOs help students make a personal connection to, and see the relevance in their CTE program.
Who can attend West-MEC?
High school students living within the boundaries of our member districts are eligible to enroll in our programs. West-MEC Member Districts: Agua Fria Union, Buckeye Union, Deer Valley Unified, Dysart Unified, Glendale Union, Paradise Valley Unified, Peoria Unified, Saddle Mountain Unified, Wickenburg Unified, Cartwright Elementary, Fowler Elementary, Pendergast Elementary.
What are West-MEC Satellite Programs?
Satellite Programs are enhanced CTE elective courses offered to students at their designated high school campuses. West-MEC provides financial support to our member districts to ensure high-quality, dynamic programs that meet employeer demands and industry standards.
What are West-MEC Central Programs?
Central Programs are offered at educational facilities operated by West-MEC and our community college partners. Students attend their home high school for core subjects and travel to West-MEC Central Program career campuses to receive their high school elective credits and opportunities to earn college credit, internship experience and industry certifications.
Our Central Programs for 2011-12 include:
Automotive Collision Industries
Automotive Technology
Aviation Technology
Cosmetology
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Dental Assisting
Fire Science
Medium Heavy Diesel Technology
What are the financial benefits?
Students benefit from advanced career training at an exceptionally low cost. Our programs move students steps ahead along their college and career pathways. West-MEC is a public school district so there is no tuition for high school students living within our member districts’ boundaries. However, all programs have course fees to cover training materials such as uniforms, tools, and books. Students are responsible for industry certification exam costs; and expected to pay for training hours after high school graduation.
