New Henderson Center Prepares Students for Careers

Tyler, TX – Tyler ISD officially celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Dr. Elmer G. Henderson Career & Technology Center this past Monday, April 29, marking a significant milestone for vocational education in the region. The impressive 180,000-square-foot facility, located at 2301 S. Southeast Loop 323, will open its doors to students in the Fall of 2024 for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.

Funded by the 2017 Bond Program, the center carries a total price tag of approximately $54.5 million. The dedication ceremony was attended by numerous community leaders and the center's namesake, Dr. Elmer G. Henderson, the former Tyler ISD Superintendent who was instrumental in the passage of the bond program. Dr. Henderson expressed his deep honor and pride in seeing the vision come to fruition.

Dr. Marty Crawford, the current Tyler ISD Superintendent, hailed the new center as a "dream come true" and a "game-changer" for students during the grand opening remarks. The facility is designed to serve up to 2,000 students daily, offering an extensive array of practical, career-focused programs.

Students will have access to 20 different career pathways, preparing them for real-world employment opportunities. Programs include Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Technology, Welding, Health Science, Law Enforcement & Firefighting, Culinary Arts, and Cosmetology, among many others. The center also features close collaboration with Tyler Junior College, providing students with opportunities for dual credit enrollment and industry-recognized certifications.

This new center is expected to significantly enhance the educational landscape for Tyler ISD students, equipping them with valuable skills and direct pathways to successful careers within the local economy.