Students across Academy District 20 (ASD20) are graduating with qualifications that set them apart as they enter life after high school. Through Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, students can enroll in college or enter the workforce with industry certifications, college credits and skills employers are looking for.
In 2016, Academy District 20 residents passed ballot measure 3A, a $320 million bond initiative, which included an addition to Liberty High School, called the “CTE Wing,” to foster student success, no matter their path, after high school.
Some classes include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician Automotive Services, and Building Construction.
Students who participate in the CNA course graduate with the certification to work in healthcare settings like a nursing or retirement homes or continue their education through another healthcare field.
Mark Vickers, CNA Teacher from Pikes Peak State College who teaches at LHS explained, “When they leave my class, students are employable and if they want to continue in healthcare, they have a good steppingstone to get where they need to go.”
Ava Lund, a junior at LHS said, “It’s amazing because we’re going to have to eventually do it on an actual person who needs the help to learn with friends and on the mannequins.”
Another course students flock to is Automotive Services where instead of sitting at a desk, students work out of a real auto-shop. For a small fee, students and community members drop off their vehicles for basic mechanical services, like oil changes, tire-rotations, and taillight replacements.
“Having the ability to walk into most auto shops with the certifications we get from this class and being able to say, ‘can you hire me?’ is a huge advantage,” said Benjamin Keenan, a senior at LHS.
Through the leadership of LHS teacher Robin Savage, students get hands-on experience in what it’s like to work as a mechanic, and often develop of a love for other industries, like engineering.
Beyond the offerings at LHS, students can also enroll in CTE classes, including Biomedical Technology, Teacher Cadet, at other high schools across the district. Read about the CTE programs available at ASD20.ORG.