MINNEAPOLIS — Construction of the new career and technical education center at Minneapolis North High School officially began on Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Mayor Jacob Frey and other city and school leaders.

The new CTE center will take about a year to build, along with a major refurbishment of the existing North High building. Scheduled to open in the 2023-24 school year, it will serve all public schools in Minneapolis.

“We are betting that their future will be bright and extraordinary,” said Mayor Frey.

The CTE Center trains students in engineering, robotics, drones, computer science, and media arts, giving children real-world skills and broadening their career horizons. Mohammed Lawal, principal architect of the project at LSE Architects, said the vision reflected “the needs, desires and outcomes of the community and students.”

“It will be a real hub, connecting the CTE program to the media center, dining, performance and education,” Lawal said. It’s a source of pride for northern Minneapolis.”

CTE programs are growing in popularity throughout the state, not only in large school districts like Minneapolis Public Schools, but also in smaller rural districts. For example, Houston Public Schools in Southeast Minnesota serves students statewide through a virtual academy that includes career path programs.

said Deb Broberg, executive director of RealTime Talent in Minnesota. “He has more than one way to get there. Career and technical education programs really give students the opportunity to see themselves in the world of work. why What’s behind what they’re learning and how it’s important in life.”

Broberg said he is excited about North High School’s new CTE center, calling it a “very important” step towards training the next generation.

“Career and technical education is a true business imperative. It is essential for all of us in Minnesota.”

Rochelle Cox, interim superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools, said she’s been looking forward to this landmark for months. It offers an entrance, updated commons and dining spaces, a better ventilation system, and new equipment for the district radio station KBEM.

“This is something we’ve been dreaming about for a while,” said Cox. “We are entering a year of construction and look forward to welcoming students and the community in August.”

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