Emily Grass serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator at Highland High School, according to school website information from August 19, 2026. In this capacity, Grass is responsible for overseeing a department dedicated to meeting the career needs of students, whether they are college bound or seeking a family wage upon high school graduation. The district's Career and Technical Education program aims to combine academic and technical learning through various curricula to help students acquire an understanding of career opportunities in their community, state, and nation.
As the CTE Coordinator, Grass provides leadership for a department that includes various specialized fields. According to the school's activities page from September 1, 2026, the CTE department includes programs such as Skills USA. The department's curriculum covers diverse subjects including television and video production, welding, woodworking, and automotive studies. For example, the welding program offers levels ranging from welding tech entry level to welding tech advanced level. The automotive program includes courses such as auto I introduction, auto 2 brake suspension, auto 3 ASE electric, and small engine repair. Woodworking options include woods 1 woodworking, woods 2 furniture, and woods 3 cabinet.
In addition to curriculum oversight, the CTE department works toward several specific goals. According to the school's website as of August 19, 2026, these goals include supporting the improvement of students' academic proficiencies and providing guidance and transition services and support for all students. The department also focuses on providing assistance to help students successfully complete CTE classes and supports courses by updating and enhancing labs in areas such as Information Technology, Business, FACS, Health Sciences, and Trade & Technical. Furthermore, the department aims to provide professional development for teachers regarding academic attainment and reaching the non-traditional student.
Grass's role involves coordination that extends to student recognitions and specialized certificates. According to a Highland High School document from May 13, 2026, Grass is the current advisor or nominator for the black and white cord awarded for CTE Scholar status. Additionally, Grass is listed as the person responsible for the CTE Medallion, an award given to CTE Pathway Completers, which carries no cost to the student.
Information from the school's directory as of May 13, 2026, also identifies Becky Carlson as the CTE Coordinator Assistant. For students navigating these programs, the school provides information regarding concurrent enrollment, which allows students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. According to the school's website as of March 15, 2024, concurrent enrollment can provide exceptional credit cost savings for students. Grass can be reached at extension 7006 or via email at emily.grass@slcschools.org for matters related to the CTE department.
What this means for Highland
For Highland residents, the presence of a dedicated CTE Coordinator like Emily Grass ensures that students have access to structured vocational training and specialized career pathways. By managing programs in fields like welding and automotive studies, Grass helps prepare students for both immediate employment and future collegiate success through technical certifications and specialized academic recognitions.
