Welcome to the first episode of Taking Care of Business, the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s show on the Faces of Grand Prairie Business channel. The series spotlights Chamber members and board members who are shaping business and community life in Grand Prairie.
Today’s episode is hosted by Kevin Locks, Membership Director for the Chamber of Commerce. He sits down with Aniska Douglas, Chief of CTE and Innovative Programs for Grand Prairie ISD, to discuss how the district’s award-winning Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is preparing students not just for careers, but for leadership and lifelong success.
GPISD CTE: Blending Education and Workforce Readiness
Douglas explains that GPISD operates one of the most robust CTE models in Texas, spanning 30+ programs of study across Dubiski Career High School and traditional campuses like Grand Prairie High and South Grand Prairie High. Students can pursue pathways ranging from health sciences to engineering, masonry to barbering, all while gaining hands-on experience through internships with local businesses.
The program’s impact is wide-reaching:
Internships & Workforce Partnerships: GPISD matches students with real-world opportunities—supported by community partners like Mama Moore’s Popcorn, Prairie Paws, and major industry players. Businesses simply submit their needs, interview candidates, and the district helps with placement and even transportation.
Certifications: Beginning freshman year, students earn credentials in cybersecurity, OSHA safety, and customer service, then advance toward industry certifications in construction, graphic design, culinary arts, and more.
Competitions: Students regularly advance to national CTSO competitions, sharpening technical expertise while also mastering soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Innovation: GPISD is leading in forward-thinking education—rolling out AI and computer science curriculum as early as elementary school, plus esports programs in middle schools, ensuring students stay ahead in a rapidly changing workforce.
New Pathways: The district recently launched barbering and is preparing to introduce plumbing in 2026–27, addressing local workforce gaps in high-demand trades.
Student Spotlights
While today’s episode features a conversation with Aniska Douglas, previous episodes of Taking Care of Business have also highlighted what CTE students are accomplishing:
🎙️ Media pathway students helped conduct an interview with the Superintendent—demonstrating professionalism, technical skill, and confidence in a real-world setting. Watch the full interview ➝
🤖 Dubiski robotics students shared their story after bringing home competition wins, showing how teamwork, innovation, and CTE training prepare them for success. Watch the full interview ➝
College and Careers
Douglas underscored GPISD CTE’s dual mission: preparing students for college and careers. Some graduates leave with associate degrees in nursing; others enter apprenticeships that lead to journeyman licenses.
“It’s not an or—it’s an and,” she explained, emphasizing that students don’t have to choose between higher education and career readiness.
How Chamber Members Can Get Involved
The Taking Care of Business series is about more than conversations—it’s about connections. GPISD’s CTE program thrives when the business community gets involved, and Chamber members have a unique opportunity to support the next generation of talent.
Here’s how you can take action:
Host an intern: Provide real-world experience by opening your business to GPISD students.
Support externships: Give teachers hands-on exposure to industry trends they can bring back to the classroom.
Sponsor certifications or scholarships: Help cover costs so every student has access to career-ready credentials.
Partner with pathways: From health sciences to robotics to media, there’s a CTE track that aligns with your industry.
Interested in partnering with GPISD CTE or learning more? Reach out to the Brian Bondy, President of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce to get connected.
This launch episode sets the tone for Taking Care of Business: highlighting the partnerships, programs, and people who are driving Grand Prairie forward.
