Our History

    • Built in 1979, West Tech was once a thriving technical center offering programs such as welding, auto body, mechanics, phlebotomy, nursing assistant, business, cosmetology, etc.
    • In 2002, a plan was developed to remove the technical/ vocational programs from the District’s Technical Centers by 2006 and emphasize career academies within the high schools
    • This was a part of a larger District effort to shift away from Vocational Programs for adults to Career Academies for secondary students
    • In 2013 (SY14) Building 8 was renovated and outfitted with funds secured from State Legislators ($426,000), the HE Hill Foundation ($150,000), and in-kind donations of heavy equipment, a dust collection system, and hand tools
    • Adult students returned to West Tech in August 2013 (SY14) enrolling in pre-apprenticeship programs focused on carpentry, electrical, welding, and HVAC; GED classes were also offered 
    • HE Hill Construction Academy opened in October 2014 (SY15)
    • March 2017 (SY17), Dr. Charlene R. Ford was appointed Principal
    • The new West Tech logo and motto, both created by Dr. Ford, were developed in May 2017 (SY17)
    • August 2017 (SY18), Ms. Cosha Jackson was appointed Assistant Principal overseeing the Adult Education evening program
    • August 2017 (SY18) ushered in the Mechatronics Academy
    • The revitalization of West Tech is filling the gap between high school CTE programming and post-secondary training at the college level
    • West Tech will target adults, with a special emphasis on 18-24 year olds, that do not possess viable skills to secure a job, those that are under skilled/underemployed, and those that are seeking job enrichment/advancement