William Floyd Expands Career Training Programs

William Floyd High School has expanded its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program to serve approximately 800 students across nine career academies, including a new Mental Health Professions program, the first of its kind on Long Island. The district announced the expansion following a presentation to the Board of Education by Principal Philip Scotto and Assistant Principal Robert Felicetta, who oversees CTE programs. Since launching in 2013 with five programs serving 136 students, the initiative has grown to nine academies and five additional career pathways.

Current programs include Automotive Technology, Barbering, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Marine and Motorsports, Medical Assisting, Personal Trainer and Nutrition, and Mental Health Professions. Additional pathways include Accounting, Architecture, Business Marketing and Management, Engineering, and Microsoft Office. The new Mental Health Professions program has enrolled 25 students this school year. The state pilot introduces students to careers in counseling, psychology and social work through classroom instruction, college partnerships and externships.

The expansion comes as the William Floyd School District reports a 95% four-year graduation rate, compared with 79% in 2015-16 and 67% in 2006-07. District officials highlighted career education as one component of a broader academic strategy that includes Advanced Placement, honors and dual-enrollment courses.

More than 1,300 students enrolled in at least one dual-enrollment course last year, allowing them to earn college credits while attending high school. Half of the Class of 2026 was eligible for a CTE diploma endorsement.The district's partnership with Fairleigh Dickinson University provides opportunities for college credits, scholarships, academic advising and summer residency programs.

"William Floyd High School’s expanding CTE program reflects a continued commitment to providing students with multiple pathways to success," Felicetta said.

Recent accomplishments include two SkillsUSA state champions, a student hired by Haugland Group following a summer internship, and medical assisting students receiving admission offers from Fairleigh Dickinson University.