Looking to make some extra money, Wildcats? Ukiah High School has your back with Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways that don’t just teach skills—they help you build real-world side hustles. After digging into these electives and chatting with the teachers, here are the top five classes that can turn your talents into cold, hard cash: floral design, physical education, welding, child development, and yearbook. Let’s break it down!
Floral Design
Want to turn blooms into bucks? Floral design is where creativity meets business. Students learn floral trends, landscaping, and how to thrive in the industry. Ms. Potter, the floral design teacher, puts it best: “Students can absolutely grow their own flowers and sell them.” Imagine running your own “floral network” right from your backyard. Whether it’s bouquets for weddings or trendy home decor, this class can transform your green thumb into green cash.
Physical Education
Health and fitness fans, this one’s for you! PE classes at Ukiah High don’t just get you moving—they open doors to gigs as athletic trainers or youth sports coaches. Mr. Huff shares, “We hire students to coach youth teams through MCSA Eagles, and they earn some extra cash while making a difference.” Whether spotting lifts at the gym or coaching soccer practice, PE can lead to gigs that pay and keep you active.
Welding
Get ready to spark your creativity—literally! Ukiah High’s welding classes teach you how to craft and fix metal projects, perfect for selling at craft fairs or taking on repair jobs. Just ask Emerald Muller, a student who says, “I make and sell small ornaments and roses after taking the class.” From artsy decor to practical repairs, welding is your ticket to a side hustle that’s as hands-on as it gets.
Child Development
If you’re great with kids, child development classes give you the skills to cash in. Think babysitting gigs, after-school programs, or even working for the city of Ukiah. Mrs. Dursteller shares, “Students who include this course on their resumes often land interviews.” Love kids and need a flexible schedule? This elective sets you up for success.
Yearbook
Got an eye for the perfect shot? Yearbook class focuses on photography and visual storytelling, giving you the tools to capture moments and cash in. Mr. Keller explains, “People who can highlight subjects in their best light can sell their images or advertise services.” Whether snapping portraits or shooting events, this class can help you monetize your skills in today’s image-driven world.
Turn Classrooms into Cash Flow
Ukiah High isn’t just about passing tests—it’s about building futures. These five electives—floral design, physical education, welding, child development, and yearbook—show how learning can translate into earning. Wildcats, it’s time to hustle and turn your talents into side gigs that pay!
Kenzie Osburn
Kenzie Osburn is a Senior at Ukiah High and a part of the Journalism class. She has lived in Potter Valley her whole life. She is the Potter Valley 4-H President and Ukiah FFA President. She shows livestock all over the country including rabbits and pigs. She likes to ride horses.