Staff Reports | Community Updates
Western Maricopa Education Center has opened the 2026-27 school year with the largest enrollment in its 22-year history, reflecting continued growth in career and technical education across Arizona.
More than 3,340 students are attending classes on West-MEC’s six campuses in Buckeye, Avondale, Glendale, Phoenix, Surprise and the district’s Southeast Campus near Loop 101 and Thomas Road, according to a press release.
In addition to its campus-based programs, West-MEC provides career and technical education opportunities to more than 48,000 students through satellite programs offered at partner high schools throughout Maricopa County.
“Demand for career and technical education has never been greater,” said Dr. Scott Spurgeon, superintendent of West-MEC. “Students and families recognize the value of graduating with industry certifications, college credit and real-world experience that prepares them for high-demand careers. As Arizona continues to grow, West-MEC is committed to ensuring students have access to the education and workforce training our communities and employers need.”
The record enrollment follows voter approval of a $415 million bond package in 2025 that is funding one of the largest expansion efforts in district history, according to a press release.
Over the next several years, West-MEC plans to expand four existing campuses and build four additional campuses, increasing access to career and technical education across a service area that stretches from Paradise Valley to Wickenburg and from Gila Bend west to Saddle Mountain.
West-MEC currently offers 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.
An additional nine programs are scheduled to launch in 2027 as workforce needs continue to evolve, according to a press release.
District officials said all programs are developed in collaboration with industry partners and informed by workforce data to align training with employer needs. Students spend more than half of each school day engaged in hands-on laboratory instruction using industry-standard equipment while earning technical credentials, college credit and workplace experience.
“In 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,” said Hailey Adams, a veterinary science instructor at West-MEC.
“Today, some of these former students have returned as industry professionals to mentor the next generation of students in the West-MEC Veterinary Science program. Watching their journeys come full circle is a powerful reminder of why career and technical education changes lives.”
West-MEC accepts applications each fall from current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in beginning career training during the following academic year. Applications for the 2027-28 school year are scheduled to open in October 2026.
