*An Austin ISD email address is required to complete the form (can be student or staff).
*Necesita un correo electrónico de Austin ISD para completar el formulario (puede ser de estudiante o maestro).
Clifton Career Development School is a centralized Career Technical Education program serving high school students across Austin ISD. Students participate in a coherent sequence of courses within one of our programs of study. Learning experiences include classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and volunteer internships designed to meet personal transition goals.
Mission: To ensure every student graduates with the skills and supports they need to succeed in life after high school.
Vision: Through our Career and Technical Education programs, students will explore, learn, and practice 21st-century skills that promote problem-solving and critical thinking.
Motto: Hands-On Learning for Real-World Success
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems (Welding)
Students in our Agricultural Technology program acquire knowledge and skills related to mechanized agricultural systems with an emphasis on welding. Students begin by learning about workplace safety and earning their OSHA certification before moving into basic metal skills (oxyfuel torch, shielded metal arc welding, etc.). In their 2nd and 3rd years in the program, students have the opportunity to earn the AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal Welding certification. They also apply learned skills for fabrication. After completion of the program, many students choose to continue their learning at Austin Community College or find employment with one of our local trade unions.
Health Science
Diagnostic Healthcare & Therapeutic Services
Our Health Science program supports students in developing the knowledge and skills needed for a career in healthcare. Students begin by learning about body systems and infection control, earning certifications in CPR, First Aid & AED. In their 2nd and 3rd years in the program, students continue building hands-on skills related to patient care and gain experience with phlebotomy and EKG, both in the classroom and at internship in a hospital or long-term care facility. As seniors, students have the opportunity to become Certified Clinical Medical Assistants. After completion of the program, students are ready to begin their careers in hospitals and clinics or to pursue post-secondary education in the healthcare field.
Hospitality & Tourism
Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts teaches students the value of building work skills in the kitchen. Students begin by learning about safety and sanitation and earn their Texas Food Handlers certification. They develop knife skills, practice measuring, learn how to read a recipe, and gain experience using a variety of commercial kitchen equipment. In addition, students learn the importance of working together and establishing the social and communication skills needed for a real working environment. In the 3rd year in the program, students participate in internships at a restaurant or other food industry business. Our Culinary Arts program also hosts a community luncheon several Fridays per month. In their 2nd year or 3rd year, students work to earn their Food Protection Manager certification. After completion of the program, many students find employment in the food industry or further develop their skills at Austin Community College or culinary institutes.
Career Preparation
In their last year at Clifton CDS, students have the option to take Career Preparation, which focuses on the skills and individualized transition support to find and maintain employment. In the classroom, students learn how to find and apply for jobs, create a resume, develop interviewing skills, and practice workplace communication. Students spend most of their time engaged in work-based learning, either through school-organized internships or at individual jobs. Our goal is for every student to leave Clifton CDS prepared for life after high school.
Program Decisions for Rising Seniors
Future Programs
Cosmetology
Expected SY 2026-2027
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Future date TBD
Non-Discrimination Statement
Austin ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: the Title IX Coordinator julianne.gula@austinisd.org or (512) 414-1700, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator kelly.spahn@austinisd.org or (512) 414-1700.