Greater Tampa Bay has a longstanding history of providing educational opportunities and helping students build careers. For more than 50 years, Tampa Bay Technical High School has been one of the outstanding institutions providing those opportunities.
TBTHS is a public magnet school in the Hillsborough County School District. In 2022, US News and World Reports ranked it as No. 205 for best magnets schools in the country.
The school offers many different career and technical education programs that blend academic rigor with technical relevance. Of the 77 programs offered throughout the district, 24 are available at TBTHS.
Their vision is to become the nation’s leader in developing successful students and aims to provide an education that enables kids to excel as responsible adults.
“The best part about being principal here is understanding that every day, you can make a difference in a student’s life,” said Principal Ernestine Woody-Bethune.
Impacting the community and beyond
Woody-Bethune said TBTHS has a vast impact on its students and the community.
Tampa Bay Technical High School has 2,100 students. As a Title 1 school, they are able to provide life-changing opportunities. They also provide students with transportation to and from school.
“Seventy-four percent of our students are at or below the poverty line,” said Woody-Bethune. “A lot of our students will be the first in their households to finish high school and go to college.”
Students can earn college credits through Advanced Placement courses and have opportunities to compete at state, regional and national levels. Ninety percent of graduates go on to pursue post-secondary education.
Hillsborough County Public Schools Director of Career and Technical Education Chris Jargo said Tampa Bay Technical High gives students a unique opportunity to learn a variety of skills during their four years of high school.
“The school has an experienced and dedicated group of teachers and administrators that place a high priority on building a positive culture that encourages students to engage in experiential learning,” he said. “The success of this school creates a pipeline to our business community, who values the continued success of this educational institution.”
Additionally, Woody-Bethune said students will go on to secure jobs, which in turn helps build the community. TBTHS partners with local businesses to help students gain experience, certifications and professional relationships.
Academies at Tampa Bay Technical High School
- Academy of Architecture
- Academy of Health Professions
- Academy of Veterinary Science
- Collision Repair and Paint Refinishing
- Transportation Services (auto and diesel repair)
- Commercial Art Academy
- Computer Systems Technology Cisco Academy
- Culinary Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Business Health Administration Academy
- Welding Technology
- Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
Different learning experiences
TBTHS’s academies and programs give students:
- career preparation
- job shadowing
- clinical experiences
- employer advisory councils
- paid on-the-job training
- professional certifications
- college readiness training
The magnet school has open applications for all students in Hillsborough County.
By Celia Goodyear.
