Ridgeview High School’s Graphic Arts Program is bursting at the seams with creativity and profit. Students in the program are not only learning how to design graphics but also fully operating the business in various roles such as order processing, production, promotion, finance, and marketing.
Under the guidance of their teacher, David Cuellar, the student-run enterprise is equipped with screen printing, heat presses, embroidery and other advanced machinery, producing everything from custom apparel to metalwork and banners. In the program, students handle every step of the production process, from initial design to order fulfillment. Last year, their efforts brought an impressive $20,000 in sales, a testament to their dedication and teamwork.
“The goal is not for them to go make t-shirts for the rest of their lives,” said Cuellar. “It’s being able to apply that to their career. Whether it is data entry, accounts payable, receivable, design, you name it. That is the approach I take with this program. I know they all have different paths. But I have had some great educators through Kern High that have had a similar approach, so I'm still referencing things they taught me when I was a high schooler.”
The program’s reach extends beyond Ridgeview High where students have created custom art for local organizations, including Bakersfield College, with hopes to continue growing and supporting the local community.
“Numbers are growing and class is overenrolled,” said Cuellar. “That is just student interest. I want to keep as many students as possible and continue to expand to a full-service shop.”
The Graphic Arts Program is one of numerous career and technical education programs offered across the district. In this hands-on learning environment, students like Gabriel Armendariz, a senior in the program, can immerse themselves and grow.
“You can come to this class and you can put what you really want to do on a shirt,” said Armendariz. “You can make posters, you can make banners, you can plasma cut metal. It gives you a lot more life at school.”
Cuellar emphasizes that the skills being learned in the program are highly transferable, preparing students for a range of careers. Senior Yahaira Mata has leveraged her experience as a Finance Lead in the program to take on leadership roles through her internship with Valley Strong and as treasurer of the Spanish Honor Society.
“In my role I am leading my department in invoices, quoting, purchase orders and check requests,” said Mata. It’s a lot of paperwork and there is a lot of emailing to different vendors and making sure we are getting the finances we need to make our program successful.
As the program continues to grow, students are not only gaining hands-on experience and skills but also being prepared for success.
“I think this program has really become a gem and the passion I have for it. I never expected to have the opportunity to build this to what it is now,” said Cuellar. “I tell my students all the time that we are so fortunate to provide them with the tools to produce, design, and create. The possibilities are endless.”
To learn more about Ridgeview High School’s Graphic Arts Program follow them on Instagram @ridgeview_graphicarts or email at [email protected].