Albuquerque Public Schools
CEC and ECA Mark Milestone Anniversaries with Student Showcase
Hands-on demonstrations highlight 50 years at Career Enrichment Center and 20 years at Early College Academy.
Students, alumni, educators and community partners recently gathered to celebrate two major milestones at Albuquerque Public Schools: the 50th anniversary of the Career Enrichment Center and the 20th anniversary of the Early College Academy.
About 200 guests attended the anniversary celebration, including alumni, former faculty, community partners and dignitaries from APS and the New Mexico Public Education Department. Representatives from community sponsors such as the Albuquerque Police Department and Nusenda Credit Union also joined families and community members to mark the occasion.
More than 400 students from over a dozen APS high schools demonstrated the hands-on learning experiences that make the programs unique. Visitors watched emergency medical technician students perform gurney lifts alongside partners from the University of New Mexico, while the 50th class of licensed practical nursing students practiced taking blood pressure, checking vitals and identifying veins.
Language and culture programs also took center stage as students studying Japanese, Chinese and Spanish demonstrated tea ceremonies and calligraphy. Ethnic Studies students shared their dual credit work with UNM by preparing fresh masa tortillas from scratch.
Guests could also see career pathways in action through demonstrations by robotics and engineering students who showcased their 200-pound award-winning rover, while cosmetology, barbering and esthetics students offered lash baths and hand massages. Public Safety Academy students partnered with the Albuquerque Police Department to direct traffic and assist guests during the event.
"It's impossible to ignore the impact that the Career Enrichment Center has made in the last 50 years," CEC Activities Director Xander Allen said. "To the alumni, children of alumni and grandchildren of alumni that showered our school in support on this anniversary year, we cannot be more thankful. With Albuquerque Public Schools' renewed commitment to career connected learning and preparing college-ready graduates, we know that CEC will continue to be the jewel in the crown of APS."
District leaders also reflected on the continued success of CEC and its role in helping students accelerate their academic and career goals.
"As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the CEC, I'm inspired by the incredible achievements of our students who continue to thrive in advanced high school pathways," Assistant Superintendent of Magnet Schools Francesca Ver Ploegh said. "Their dedication, resilience and ambition reflect the very purpose of this program—opening doors to college, careers and limitless futures."
Together, the Career Enrichment Center and Early College Academy continue to create opportunities for APS students to gain real-world experience, earn college credit and explore career pathways while still in high school.
View more event photos on the APS Facebook page!