Career & Technical
Career Readiness Academy • Harrison High School • Sierra High School
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to prepare for successful technical careers. Students get real-world, hands-on experiences through CTE approved classes. CTE supports a thriving Colorado economy by providing quality educational learning that emphasizes core academic content, technical skills, workforce readiness competencies, work-based learning opportunities, leadership skills, and seamless transition to additional education or employment.
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) help students build leadership skills, promote positive work values, and extend the CTE curriculum to meet challenges of the workforce, economic development, and emerging occupations. Colorado approved CTE student organizations include: DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, (SC)2, SkillsUSA, and TSA.
Students who earn an industry certification as part of an approved CTE program may demonstrate proficiency in Mathematics and English (Reading, Writing, and Communication). To find out whether a CTE program has an approved industry certification, students should contact their CTE teacher or the CTE Coordinator.
CTE is governed by the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) and authorized by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). Each high school may include an application process to communicate any school specific requirements. Depending on the high school, students may take courses in specific CTE programs, so please see the high school Counseling Center for additional information.
Career & Technical Education Programs
- Business and Marketing
- Construction Trades
- Education and Training
- Engineering
- Fashion and Interior Design
- Health Science
- Hospitality and Food Production
- Information Technology
- Media Arts
- Theatre Technology
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
Business and Marketing
The business and marketing program is designed to meet the labor market needs of Colorado’s business and industry.
Includes the following courses:
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS
This course introduces the application of fundamental business principles to local, national, and international forums. The courses examine the relationship of economic systems, governance, regulations, and law upon business operations. It surveys the concepts of career development, business ownership, finance and accounting, economics, marketing, management, operations, human resources, regulations, and business ethics.
PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING
Presents the analysis of theoretical marketing processes and the strategies of product development, pricing, promotion and distribution, and their applications to businesses and the individual consumer.
Construction Trades
Construction technology provides a solid foundation for the skills required by the construction industry. Students learn about carpentry skills, residential plumbing and electrical systems, and advanced trade skills used by industry professionals. To ensure that infrastructure projects are completed to the highest efficiency, quality, and safety levels, skilled trade workers are essential. The specialized knowledge and expertise of skilled trade training benefits every stage of the construction process, from design and planning to installation and maintenance.
Includes the following courses:
PRINCIPLES OF CONSTRUCTION (CORE)
This course introduces the fundamentals for all construction trades to include basic construction site safety, construction math, power tools, construction drawings, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and material handling. This course is designed as an entry level course for any of the building trades program specialties.
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY (CARPENTRY)
This course introduces foundational level carpentry skills, basic residential construction systems, the importance of personal and workplace safety, and the role of carpenters within the construction industry.
Education and Training
Education and Training concentrates on planning, managing, and providing education and training services and associated support services. Students learn about various educational jobs while actively working with professionals within an education and training environment. The program encourages students with exemplary interpersonal and leadership skills to consider teaching as a career while also developing future community leaders who will become civic advocates for education and training services.
Includes the following courses:
EDUCATION EXPLORATION
Education Exploration is a college-preparatory course for students who want to pursue careers in education, training, and human services. This course will cover foundational topics to help students understand what it takes to become a teacher in preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, college, and graduate school. Furthermore, this course will introduce the learners to a career in human resources and training. Students will also learn more about human service careers, such as social work, community organizing, non-profit leaders, and more. By the end of this course, learners must be able to understand the admission process for these related careers and must have assessed their interests aligned with the career field.
TEACHER CADET
Teacher Cadet engages learners in a fast paced, innovative, hands-on curriculum where students gain knowledge about teaching and learning. Cadets will develop skills that are helpful in college and beyond, such as presentation, public speaking, writing, communication, and reasoning. Cadets experience the rewards of teaching through a "mini teaching" field experience as a part of the course work, which is aligned with Colorado Teacher Licensure Standards.
Engineering
Foundational engineering courses offer individual and team activities, projects, and problems to solve with common engineering design and development techniques. Students explore a broad range of engineering topics and develop skills in technical representation and will use 3D design and modeling to present solutions.
Includes the following courses:
PLTW INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (IED)
Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is a high school engineering course in the PLTW Engineering Program. In IED, students explore engineering tools and apply a common approach to the solution of engineering problems, an engineering design process. Utilizing the activity-project-problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students' progress from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to plan, document, communicate, and develop other professional skills. Students develop skills in technical representation and documentation especially through 3D computer modeling. Student-developed testing protocols drive decision-making and iterative design improvements.
PLTW PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING (POE)
Principles of Engineering (POE) is a high school engineering course in the PLTW Engineering Program. In POE, students explore how modern engineers help improve the world through diverse engineering fields, such as product design, mechanical design, infrastructure, and sustainability. Students learn to use some of the cutting-edge tools that engineers use in robotics, 3D modeling, programming, and prototyping.
PLTW AEROSPACE ENGINEERING (AE)
Aerospace Engineering (AE) ignites students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. Aerospace Engineering is one of the specialization courses in the PLTW Engineering program. The course deepens the skills and knowledge of an engineering student within the context of atmospheric and space flight. Students explore the fundamentals of flight in air and space as they bring the concepts to life by designing and testing components related to flight such as an airfoil, propulsion system, and a rocket. They learn orbital mechanics concepts and apply these by creating models using industry-standard software. They also apply aerospace concepts to alternative applications such as a wind turbine and parachute. Students simulate a progression of operations to explore a planet, including creating a map of the terrain with a model satellite and using the map to execute a mission using an autonomous robot.
PLTW ENGINEERING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT (EDD)
Engineering Design and Development (EDD) is the capstone course in the PLTW high school engineering program. EDD is an open-ended engineering research course in which students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a well-defined and justified open-ended problem by applying an engineering design process.
Fashion and Interior Design
This program is designed to provide students with the ability to learn, apply, and demonstrate the fundamental creative process that connects aesthetics, form, and functionality. The artistic process draws inspiration from culture, history, and personal expression, which culminates in designs that captivate the senses and resonate with individuality.
Includes the following courses:
DESIGN SEMINAR
Design Seminar will give students an introduction to the elements and principles of design as seen in Interior Design, Fashion Design, Publishing and a variety of other fields. In addition it will introduce students to the many careers that require design and allow them to analyze their own career pathways to determine where design might fit. This course is recommended as an introduction to the fashion and interior design pathway.
FASHION DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING 1
Fashion Design and Merchandising 1 exposes students to various aspects of the fashion design and merchandising industry. Students integrate knowledge, skills, and practices to evaluate potential career opportunities. Emphasis is placed on an introduction to fashion, fashion and textile selection, product construction and fashion merchandising.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Interior Design exposes students to various aspects of the interior design industry and is based on the industry's professional standards (Council of Interior Design Accreditation- CIDA). This course focuses predominantly on residential design. Students integrate knowledge, skills, and practices to evaluate career opportunities. Areas of focus include: residential vs commercial design, careers, design drawings, professional practices, design elements and principles, and the design process.
FASHION DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING 2
Fashion Design and Merchandising 2 exposes students to various aspects of the fashion design and merchandising industry. Students integrate knowledge, skills, and practices to evaluate potential career opportunities. Emphasis is placed on an introduction to fashion, fashion and textile selection, product construction and fashion merchandising. This course compared to Fashion Merchandising 1 focuses more on promotion and marketing, global perspectives, technological advances, product creation, and retail sale.
Health Science
Healthcare career pathways introduce students to the pathways that make up the health science cluster. In addition, students are provided a hands-on application of the foundational skills/ knowledge including health maintenance, employability skills, teamwork, healthcare systems, communications, and legal issues in healthcare.
Includes the following courses:
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SCIENCE
Introduction to Health Science provides an overview of the challenging environments and occupations in the healthcare field. This course introduces students to the pathways that make up the health science cluster. Students are provided with a hands-on application of the foundational knowledge and skills to include health maintenance, employability skills, teamwork, healthcare systems, communications, and legal issues in healthcare.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Students learn anatomical terminology, study cells and tissues, explore functional systems (skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, nervous, and other body systems), and may dissect mammals.
PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN
The Patient Care Technician course instills the knowledge and standards needed for excellence in Patient Care Technician practices, such as provide basic patient care (bathing, feeding, catheter care), acquire, distribute, and administer patient care supplies, perform safety checks and ensure cleanliness in patient rooms, accommodate any additional patient needs, obtain EKG readings and monitor vital signs, perform phlebotomy procedures, and provide emotional support to patients and families, particularly coping with grief and death.
SPORTS MEDICINE
Sports Medicine gives students a general overview of sports medicine. It includes introductory information about careers; scope of practice; legal and ethical responsibilities; injury prevention, treatment, and management; anatomy and physiology; nutrition; basic taping and wrapping techniques, and administrative functions.
Hospitality and Food Production
This program is designed to provide students with the ability to learn, apply, and demonstrate the proper techniques and knowledge of developing and running a catering business while providing an opportunity to advance their culinary knowledge and skills.
Includes the following courses:
INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY ARTS
This course emphasizes introductory skills in food preparation focusing on the food pyramid. Students learn about nutrition, meal planning, time management, serving of food, and careers related to the food industry.
SAFETY AND SANITATION
Students will gain an advanced understanding of kitchen safety and sanitation in a professional setting through classroom instruction and demonstration of skills in the kitchen. Safety and Sanitation will prepare students to pass the National Restaurant Association’s ServeSafe exam and receive national certification, which is a prerequisite for enrollment into the Catering course.
CATERING
Students in this course will learn job skills needed for success in the food service industry including sanitation and safety, customer service, and food presentation. Develop entrepreneurial skills as you learn how to run a catering business. Students will plan, prepare, and execute actual catered events for separate groups around the school.
Information Technology
Computer pathways focus on computing, computer science, and information science and systems. In this program, students learn programming languages and apply computational thinking to design solutions and build applications that solve real-world problems.
Includes the following courses:
COMPUTER SCIENCE FOUNDATIONS
Computer Science Foundations (CSF) is a course intended to provide students with exposure to various information technology occupations and pathways such as Networking Systems, Coding, Web Design, and Cybersecurity. Upon completing this course, proficient students will describe various information technology (IT) occupations and professional organizations. Moreover, they will be able to demonstrate logical thought processes and discuss the social, legal, and ethical issues encountered in the IT profession. Depending on the focus area, proficient students will also demonstrate an understanding of electronics and basic digital theory; project management and teamwork; client relations; causes and prevention of Internet security breaches; and writing styles appropriate for web publication. Upon completion of the CSF course, students will be prepared to make an informed decision about which Information Technology program of study to pursue.
CYBERSECURITY
Provides students with the basic concepts of cybersecurity and focuses on security integration, application of cybersecurity practices and devices, ethics, and best practices management. The fundamental skills in this course cover both in-house and external threats to network security and design, how to enforce network level security policies, and how to safeguard an organization’s information. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will demonstrate an understanding of cybersecurity concepts, identify fundamental principles of networking systems, understand network infrastructure and network security, and be able to demonstrate how to implement various aspects of security within a networking system.
AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles introduces students to the fundamental ideas of computer science and how to apply computational thinking across multiple disciplines. The course teaches students to apply creative designs and innovative solutions when developing computational artifacts. The course emphasizes topics such as abstraction, communication of information using data, algorithms, programming, the Internet, and global impact.
Media Arts
This program focuses on the development, use, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications and prepares students to function as developers and managers of digital communications media. Multimedia courses include instruction on the principles of computer and telecommunication technologies and processes, design, and development of digital communications, marketing and distribution, digital communications regulation, law, and policy, emerging trends and issues, and the study of human interaction with, and use of, digital media.
Includes the following courses:
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN AND COMMUNICATIONS
Students are introduced to the variety of programs and occupations in the arts, audio/video technology, and communication systems. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Students will learn to use a variety of Adobe products to create marketable designs for clients, such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to design shirts, create product packaging, develop a logo for a client, and create posters for groups around the school.
AUDIO/VIDEO PRODUCTION
Students will gain job-specific training for entry level employment in audio, video, television, and motion picture careers. Professional grade equipment and software will be used in the creation of student lead productions. Students will be involved in every aspect of several classes and small group audio, video, and film style production projects with emphasis on TV studio broadcasting and news production projects. Students will also be encouraged to participate as studio crew for school and district productions outside of school hours.
COMMERICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY I
Students focus on studio-based photography. Students will learn basic DSLR camera operations, framing and the art of styling and lighting for professional photo shoots. Projects will include various print advertisements and studio work. Students will learn about careers related to commercial photography and postsecondary programs requirements within Colorado. Some examples of jobs in this area are photographer, graphic designer, and stylist. Students will complete several projects and design pieces to be added to personal portfolios.
COMMERICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY II
Students learn the needs of commercial photographers regarding technical expertise, creativity, and professional equipment. Technical aspects include film to digital transfer, lighting, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, large format camera work and stock photography. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory, and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied. A variety of photographic equipment is utilized for the studio and on-location. Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats.
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
Adobe Photoshop concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Photoshop as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics, and videos. The course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
Adobe Illustrator concentrates on the high-end capabilities of Adobe Illustrator as an illustration, design and vector drawing tool. Students learn how to use the tools to create digital artwork that can be used in web design, print media, and digital screen design. The course competencies and outline follow those set out by the Adobe Certified Associate exam in Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator.
Theatre Technology
Students will be introduced to theatre production with an emphasis on technical elements. Using professional grade equipment and software, students will create productions and utilize methods of constructing sets, stage lighting and sound, and implementing various multimedia elements into theatre productions.
Includes the following courses:
FOUNDATION OF PRODUCTION DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE
This course introduces students to the variety of programs and occupations in the arts, audio/video technology, and production. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities.
TECHNICAL THEATRE
This course introduces methods of constructing and painting scenery and properties, operating stage lighting and sound equipment, and implementing costumes and multimedia. This course explores the proper procedures of serving on stage crews.
PERFORMANCE AND COMMUNICATIONS
This course introduces students to methods of performance and performance-dependent careers. Though performance is a significant part of this course, further topics include financial awareness, promotion and marketing, and management and leadership.
STAGE PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
This course introduces students to various areas of management within the stage production industry which include stage manager (working with assistants, actors, and directors), theater manager (advertising, box office sales, public relations), human resources (training, hiring, safety, compensation, law), and financial manager (payroll and budget).
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
This program is designed to prepare students to apply automotive technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of vehicles. Students receive instruction on basic automobile maintenance requirements, specific tool uses, and safety procedures.
Includes the following courses:
INTRODUCTION TO AUTOMOTIVE
Prepares the incoming automotive student to work in the shop safely and gain familiarity with the shop and common equipment.
AUTOMOTIVE SUSPENSION AND STEERING – ASE
Focuses on lecture and related experiences in the diagnosis and service of suspensions and steering systems and their components.
AUTOMOTIVE BRAKES – ASE
Focuses on basic operation of automotive braking systems. Includes operation, diagnosis, and basic repair of disc brakes, drum brakes, and basic hydraulic systems.
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINES – ASE
Focuses on lecture and laboratory experiences in the service of cylinder head, valve-train components, and components of the cooling system. Includes engine removal, installation, and mounting systems.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Harrison School District 2 is an equal-opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law. Participation in CTE programs is offered to all students. A lack of English skills will not be a barrier to participation or admission.
Harrison School District 2 is an equal-opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law. Participation in CTE programs is offered to all students. A lack of English skills will not be a barrier to participation or admission.