Manual Career and Technical Center

09/01/2026

07/22/2026

🛠️ PLTW/Engineering

Innovation starts at Manual. ⚙️💡

In our PLTW Engineering program, students tackle real-world challenges through hands-on design, collaboration, technology, and problem-solving. Whether it’s robotics, manufacturing, engineering design, or advanced technology, students are building skills that prepare them for the future.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our spotlight series. As we look ahead to a new school year, we’re excited to continue this incredible work with our students. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we’ll see you soon!

07/15/2026

🎬 Multimedia

Lights. Camera. Creativity. 🎥✨

The videos you’re watching this summer? They were created entirely by our Multimedia students. From filming and editing to graphics, audio, photography, and storytelling, students are learning real-world media production skills while bringing ideas to life.

If you’re creative, love content creation, or want to learn how media works behind the scenes, this program is for you.

Watch this week’s spotlight video and meet the creators behind the camera!

07/08/2026

🩺 Health Science

Future healthcare professionals start here! 💙

Our Health Science students are gaining hands-on experience, learning clinical skills, and exploring careers in patient care, nursing, and beyond.

Students work alongside passionate instructors while building the confidence and knowledge needed for the healthcare field.

Hear directly from students in this week’s spotlight video!

07/01/2026

🚑 EMT

Ready to lead. Ready to respond. Ready to make a difference. 🚨

Students in our EMT program are learning life-saving skills, emergency response techniques, and how to stay calm under pressure in critical situations.

This hands-on program gives students a chance to explore careers in healthcare and public service while building confidence and leadership skills along the way.

Watch this week’s spotlight video to learn more!

06/27/2026

Congratulations to our very own Dr. April Adams!!

Kansas City Public Schools is proud to announce Dr. April Adams as the new Director of Career & Technical Education. With more than 30 years of experience as a visionary educational leader across K–12 and higher education, Dr. Adams brings a deep commitment to innovation, equity, and preparing students for future success.

Dr. Adams has a strong background in expanding CTE pathways, strengthening industry partnerships, and designing learning environments that ensure every student graduates ready for college, career, and community leadership. Her career includes serving as a high school principal, instructional designer, university professor, leadership coach, and, most recently, Assistant Director of CTE at Manual Career & Technical Center.

She is known for building inclusive school cultures, developing high‑performing teams, and leading large‑scale improvement efforts that elevate student achievement and workforce readiness. Dr. Adams holds a Doctorate in Urban Leadership & Policy Development from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, along with multiple lifetime Missouri certifications.

Dr. Adams looks forward to partnering with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders to advance future‑focused programming and expand opportunities across KCPS. We are certain she will continue to be a wonderful resource for students, staff and families in our CTE programs and across our district!

06/24/2026

🍳 Culinary Arts

The kitchen is heating up at Manual! 👨‍🍳🔥

In Culinary Arts, students combine creativity, teamwork, and technical skills while learning what it takes to thrive in the food industry. From preparing dishes to mastering kitchen techniques, students are gaining experience that turns passion into opportunity.

Watch this week’s spotlight video and see what’s cooking inside the Culinary program!

06/17/2026

🧱 Construction Technology

Building skills. Building confidence. Building futures. 🔨

In Construction Technology, students roll up their sleeves and get to work learning real-world skills used in the trades every single day. From reading blueprints to using tools and building projects, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for careers, apprenticeships, and beyond.

See what students and instructors had to say in this week’s spotlight video!

06/15/2026

We hope you’ve been enjoying our program spotlight series as we’ve shared a closer look at our Auto Technology, Auto Collision & Repair, and Barber programs.

And we’re not done yet! New spotlights drop every Wednesday at noon! Join us to explore the rest of our programs and hear directly from the people who make them great.

See you Wednesday at noon for the next feature!

06/03/2026

🔧🚗 Auto Technology + Auto Collision & Repair

Under the hood, in the paint booth, and hands-on every day, students in Auto Technology and Auto Collision & Repair are learning the skills that keep the industry moving.

From diagnostics and engine repair to body work and refinishing, these students are gaining real-world experience while working alongside instructors who know the industry inside and out.

If you love cars, problem-solving, or working with your hands, this program is the place to be. 🔥

Check out this week’s spotlight video and see why students are excited to be in the shop every day!