High School In Bridgeport To Expand Career & Technical Offerings

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport Public Schools is set to expand its career and technical education offerings at the new Bassick High School, scheduled to open for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Located next to the University of Bridgeport, the modernized campus will introduce full-year programs during the school day in carpentry and culinary arts. The initiative is designed to better align students with high-demand job sectors and provide more direct pathways into the workforce.

The district is partnering with The Justice Education Center, Inc. and the Carpenters Union of Connecticut to support the new programs. Ernest Pagan, president of the Carpenters Union, said the effort is aimed at increasing workforce opportunities in underserved areas.

“Our goal is to give inner-city youth a path to the trades so they can participate in the redevelopment of their communities,” Pagan said.

The Justice Education Center will implement its Career Pathways Technology Collaborative at Bassick, providing students with pre-apprenticeship training in the trades. Students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA 10, ServSafe, and CPR/First Aid. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, academic integration, and career preparedness.

“This is about more than buildings—it’s about building futures,” said Bridgeport Public Schools Interim Superintendent Royce Avery. “We want every student to graduate with real options—whether college, career, or the trades.”

Bassick High School Principal Joseph Raiola highlighted the significance of the community and labor partnerships behind the initiative.

“The new Bassick is not just a beautiful building—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when schools, labor, and community come together,” Raiola said. “We’re giving students real skills, real certifications, and a real shot at success.”

The expanded programming reflects a broader effort across the district to promote equitable access to sustainable career pathways and prepare students for leadership roles in their communities.