Western Maricopa Education Centerrecently welcomed students back for the 2026\u201327 school year, marking the largest enrollment in the district’s 22-year history as career and technical education continues to grow.<\/p>\n
More than 3,340 students are attending classes on-site across West-MEC’s six campuses in Buckeye, Avondale, Glendale, Phoenix, Surprise and the district’s newest Southeast Campus near Loop 101 and Thomas Road. Beyond its campuses,<\/p>\n
West-MEC extends career and technical education opportunities to more than 48,000 students through satellite programs offered at partner high schools in Maricopa County.<\/p>\n
“Demand for career and technical education has never been greater,” Dr. Scott Spurgeon, Superintendent of West-MEC, stated in a press release. “Students and families recognize the value of graduating with industry certifications, college credit and real-world experience that prepares them for high-demand careers.”<\/p>\n
The record enrollment comes one year after voters approved West-MEC’s $415 million bond, allowing the district to begin one of the largest expansion efforts in its history. West-MEC will expand four existing campuses and construct four additional campuses, significantly increasing access to career and technical education from Paradise Valley to Wickenburg, south to Gila Bend and west to Saddle Mountain.<\/p>\n
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The district also continues to expand its academic offerings. Students can choose from 34 career and technical education programs across 10 career clusters, including healthcare, manufacturing, construction, information technology, transportation, law and public safety, engineering, hospitality and tourism, education and training, and human services.<\/p>\n
An additional nine programs are scheduled to launch in 2027.<\/p>\n
West-MEC students spend more than half of each school day participating in hands-on laboratory instruction using industry-standard equipment while earning technical credentials, college credit and workplace experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my 12 years of teaching at West-MEC, I have had the privilege of preparing hundreds of young adults for careers in the veterinary field and beyond. My first class graduated in 2016, and since then, I have been honored to see several former students continue their journeys to become Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants,\u201d stated Hailey Adams, West-MEC Veterinary Science Instructor.<\/p>\n
West-MEC accepts applications each fall for current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in beginning career training during the following school year. Applications for the 2027\u201328 school year open in October 2026.<\/p>\n