Frequently Asked Questions

What is it West-MEC?

West-MEC (Western Maricopa Education Center) is a public school district that is dedicated to providing students innovative Career and Technical Education programs that will prepare them to enter the workforce and pursue continuing education.

How is West-MEC funded?

We operate under the same laws and regulations as all public school districts in Arizona. Governed by a seven-member board, we are funded by taxes and state aid, based on student enrollment. More than 21,000 students from 40 high schools across almost 4,300 square miles are currently enrolled in West-MEC Career and Technical Education courses.

What is Career and Technical Education?

Career and Technical Education, also known as CTE, is an instructional delivery system that gives students a well-rounded learning experience. Students enrolled in a CTE course will be taught in the classroom as well as given interactive laboratory instruction. Students are also taught personal and leadership development through Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs).

Who can attend West-MEC?

West-MEC carries out our mission through a partnership with twelve school districts in Maricopa County: Agua Fria Union, Buckeye Union, Deer Valley Unified, Dysart Unified, Glendale Union, Paradise Valley Unified, Peoria Unified, Saddle Mountain Unified, Wickenburg Unified, Cartwright Elementary, Fowler Elementary, Pendergast Elementary. Any high school student attending high school in our member districts is eligible for  West-MEC programs.

What are West-MEC Satellite Programs?

West-MEC Satellite Programs are Career and Technical Education courses offered to students on their high school campus. These courses are enhanced by continuing financial support provided by West-MEC to ensure participating schools have well-equipped instructors and state-of-the-art facilities on their campuses.

What are West-MEC Central Programs?

West-MEC Central Programs are courses located off our member districts high school campuses. These programs are supported by business/industry and post-secondary institutions and give students real world, on the job training.

Our Central Programs for 2010-11 include:

_Automotive Collision Industries

_Automotive Technology

_Cosmetology

_Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

_Dental Assisting

_Fire Science

_Medium Heavy Diesel Technology

West-MEC will launch our newest program, Aviation Technologies, in Fall 2011.

Does it cost to attend West-MEC?

West-MEC is an Arizona public school district so there is no tuition to attend if you live in one of our member districts. However, certain programs have course fees. These fees are an investment in a student’s future career and cover course items such as, books, workbooks, tools and supplies.

How will West-MEC save me money?

We offer programs at the high school level that could cost you thousands of dollars if you waited until after graduation to take the same training. Here’s an example, a student enrolled in the West-MEC Cosmetology program will pay only $1,200 to earn their license, in comparison to tuition costs of more than $8,000 to attend other cosmetology schools. Our partnerships with local community colleges make it possible for you to earn college and high school credits at the same time, saving you on some future tuition. For instance, students in EMT can earn two high school credits and 12 community college credits for completion of their course.

What’s next for West-MEC?

West-MEC will continue to enhance satellite programs on the campuses of our member districts. By maintaining our support efforts, these courses will continue to have industry-standard equipment and facilities, innovative teachers as well as leadership and professional development opportunities.

West-MEC will expand our relationships with business and industry and post-secondary institutions in order to provide students more relevant, real-world opportunities. These exciting partnerships help pave the road to more West-MEC Centrals Programs in future years.