As Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) dives into 2025, preparation for student electives and academic programs for the 2025-2026 school year are already underway. On Jan. 10, 2025, Foothill Tech hosted their annual Program Faire for students to learn about the variety of programs available to them on campus.
During the first half of lunch known as Foothill Intervention, Reinforcement, and Enrichment (FIRE), the quad was filled with tables where students could explore different programs, academies and electives at Foothill Tech. Some of the programs that were set up included Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), DTech, Bioscience, Ethnic Studies and Social Justice (ESSJ) and Journalism amongst more.
Each table featured informational materials and items designed to promote their program and help students better understand what it offers. For example, some tables had books that are taught throughout the program’s cirriculum, or CPR dummies to demonstrate some of the skills that you can learn when entering into the pathway.
At one of the program’s tables, an AVID representative promoted the primary objective of the program. According to the representative, Luke Sides ‘25, “You gain a lot of skills that help you in your first four years of high school but you also gain skills that are super valuable for your next four years at college.”
For some students, the faire offered a chance to pursue their passions. Avery Farris ‘28 shared her thoughts on the creative opportunities offered, saying that she’s interested in, “Journalism and Yearbook and Advanced Art because like I really like doing art. Those are probably the ones I’d want to sign up for.”
The Program Faire is designed to showcase the various extracurriculars offered on campus, giving students the opportunity to explore their options and decide which ones interest them before attending the open houses on Jan. 14 and 15, 2025. These events allow students to take a closer look at each program, ask more detailed questions and even see demonstrations of what each academy has to offer.
Similarly, Sophie Dawes ‘28 expressed her interest in digital art programs like GRAFX and DTech. “I am really interested in digital art and I want to be a graphic designer or animator,” Dawes said. Dawes appreciated the chance to interact with program representatives, adding, “I like that I am able to ask questions and sort of get a feel who’s going to be in it.”
Representatives from the different programs provided input on how the faire could better inform students about their options. Loren Romero ‘25, a Wellness Peer stated, “It might be helpful to have like students go into classes specifically and talk to some of the younger grades.”
This event gave students a chance to explore Foothill Tech’s many programs and plan for the upcoming school year. By engaging with representatives and asking questions, students took the first step in shaping their academic and extracurricular paths.
With open houses on Jan. 14 and 15, 2025, students will have more opportunities to dive deeper into their options. By the time the first part of the program applications is due on Jan. 19, 2025, students should have a solid understanding of which programs and electives best align with their interests.
