There's nothing quite as compelling as witnessing something firsthand to gain a deeper appreciation. Such was the case this week, when several of BPI’s board members toured Boulder TEC, Boulder Valley School District's career and technical education (CTE) center. Often referred to as BVSD’s best keep secret, the school has been serving the community for over 55 years and is growing faster than ever.
We met with Boulder TEC’s Director, Arlie Huffman, the Assistant Principal, Ming Scheid, as well as Michelle Carpenter, a retired Boulder High Teacher and CTE advocate.
With the revival of CTE programs nationally, BVSD has invested heavily in Boulder TEC as more high school students are exposed to alternative career pathways. All district eighth graders are given the opportunity to tour the school to consider how CTE might be right for them. Local junior and senior high school students can apply to attend over a dozen different skills-based programs ranging from biomedical science to construction technology.
It's evident that Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Boulder TEC have significantly expanded and diversified, offering a wide range of specialized courses beyond traditional shop classes. Amongst the warren of classrooms, Boulder TEC boasts a world-class automotive service technology program, advanced physical therapy and EMT classrooms, a video production studio, and top-end fabrication and welding facilities.
Director Huffman was quick to point out that demand for CTE is quickly outpacing capacity. “We could see an additional fifty to one hundred percent growth in the coming years.”
Assistant Principal Scheid echoed the message. “There are waiting lists for our automotive program and welding classes,” she said. “The number of kids and families who are getting exposed to what we offer is growing.”
We couldn’t be more pleased to support continuing Boulder TEC’s mission as BPI’s first CTE scholarship opened for applicants yesterday. While the demand to get into Boulder TEC grows, so does the interest in careers after high school. Many graduates want to attend local community colleges or vocational schools to gain valuable certifications and apprenticeships. Providing resources and opportunities for students to further their education and gain valuable skills is essential in helping them succeed in their chosen fields. Check out our initiatives page to learn more about the scholarship.
One student we met, a graduating senior, is going to apply to local body shops or continue his studies at a community college. We were so impressed by his determination and focus on turning his Boulder TEC experience into a career.
The firsthand experience of touring Boulder TEC truly highlighted the value and impact of career and technical education programs. Meeting with the dedicated staff and seeing the diverse range of programs offered at the school emphasized the importance of providing students with alternative career pathways. BVSD's investment in Boulder TEC is a testament to the growing recognition of the benefits of CTE programs in preparing students for successful futures. It's great to see the school's growth and the opportunities it provides for students to explore and develop their skills in various fields.
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