West Covina Unified School District, the Board of Education, city council members, and state officials joined together Tuesday for a private ribbon cutting ceremony for the much anticipated Career Technical Education (CTE) and Science building on the West Covina High School campus.

The new building targets students who see themselves with a career in STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. This new facility will house all science classes, as well as broadcasting, video production, and WCHS’ Robotics team, who now have whole new classrooms and state-of-the-art labs and technology dedicated to their work. 

Courses that will be held in the facility will be more prepared than ever to work harder and better. School Board President Eileen Miranda-Jimenez mentioned the award winning robotics and film programs on campus that will benefit from all the new technology in this facility. Echoing her sentiment is Superintendent Charles Hinman, who said in his speech that “students in West Covina, if they want to be the best they deserve the best.” 

Hopes for the facility are high, as well as excitement for students and staff to utilize the latest technology. Costing 16 million dollars and at 26,000 square feet, stakeholders also hope that this brand new facility will not only improve the energy and look of the school campus, but also the community. “It brings an energy to the city and it will bring in young families who will help the city grow,” said City Councilmember Brian Tabatabai.

The new building will open to West Covina High School students this upcoming 2021-2022 school year. All students will have the opportunity to take advantage of this new facility. It is one of many new projects in the school district dedicated to improving schools that city officials, the Board of Education, and district personnel hope to foster growth in West Covina.