DeSoto Independent School
District is excited to announce the launch of a robust construction pathway for
high school scholars, supported by a generous tool donation from Hilti
Corporation, a global leader in construction innovation and community
engagement. This initiative enhances the district’s commitment to preparing
students for meaningful postsecondary success through high-demand trade skills
and career-focused education.
The donation comes as part
of Hilti’s Month of Volunteerism in April, a company-wide initiative
that channels resources and support into local communities. During this time, Bruant
Aragon, a Hilti representative, expressed a strong interest in supporting
DeSoto ISD after learning about the district's forward-thinking approach to
Career and Technical Education (CTE).
The
relationship was made possible through the efforts of DeSoto ISD Trustee
Eboni Mitchell, who facilitated the connection between Hilti and the
district.
“Connecting DeSoto ISD
with Hilti is exactly the kind of impact I envisioned when advocating for
stronger partnerships between our district and industry leaders,” said Trustee
Eboni Mitchell. “It is rewarding to see our students benefit from access to
real-world tools and training that will carry them into successful futures. I’m
proud of everyone who helped bring this vision to life.”
This strategic partnership
with Hilti allows DeSoto ISD to identify and request specific tools needed for
the construction pathway. These tools are then provided at no cost and with
no expectation of return, offering scholars access to industry-standard
resources that would otherwise be financially out of reach.
Melinda
Pugh,
Director of Career and Technical Education for DeSoto ISD, emphasized the
long-term value this kind of industry collaboration brings to student learning
and economic opportunity.
“This donation is more
than just tools—it’s an investment in our students and their futures,” Pugh
said. “Through hands-on experience and skill-building, our scholars are gaining
the knowledge and confidence to explore multiple postsecondary pathways, whether
that means college, certification, or entering the workforce with high-wage
potential.”
In addition to the
donation from Hilti, the district also purchased curriculum and equipment from Paxton
Patterson, a national leader in career-focused education. Thanks to the
hard work of Mr. Rene Sears, the construction classroom has already been
prepped, cleaned, and organized in preparation for the upcoming school year.
As the
district continues to build out its CTE offerings, DeSoto ISD Superintendent
Dr. Usamah Rodgers acknowledged the powerful role of partnerships in
expanding opportunity and access for all scholars.
“We are deeply grateful to
Hilti for recognizing the value of investing in students and the future
workforce,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, Superintendent of DeSoto ISD. “This
partnership reflects what is possible when education and industry come together
to create opportunity, equity, and lasting impact for our young people.”
Chief Academic Officer
Stephanie McCloud also highlighted how initiatives like the construction
pathway align with the district’s broader strategic vision for academic and
career preparation.
“This is the kind of
innovative, hands-on programming that prepares our scholars to compete and lead
in the 21st-century workforce,” McCloud said. “From classrooms to career
fields, this work is building bridges for our students to succeed in life
beyond school.”
With the classroom now
ready and the curriculum in place, DeSoto High School scholars will begin
construction coursework this fall, equipped with industry tools, expert
instruction, and a clear path toward economic mobility and self-sufficiency.
As DeSoto ISD continues to
grow its CTE programs, the district remains focused on creating meaningful,
equitable postsecondary pathways that empower students to graduate with
purpose, skill, and a plan for long-term success.
See donation photos
here