Southwest Fresno’s Edison High School celebrated its new state-of-the-art Career Technical Education building Thursday, a project eight years in the making.

Speakers called the 31,000-square-foot, two-story facility a major step forward in providing students with modern, industry-aligned learning spaces.

While the building isn’t completely finished, it should be soon, said district officials.

The building houses seven CTE pathways, including biomedical sciences, engineering, computer science, photography, green energy, kinesiology, and a teachers academy.

Students praised the improved comfort and technology, highlighting features like a large upstairs presentation room with campus views.

District leaders say the new facility will offer hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, giving students a competitive edge in college and future careers. More than 1,300 students are enrolled in Edison’s nine CTE pathway programs.

Funding for the $17.8 million building came from Measure M construction bonds and a CTE Facilities Program grant.