Scene from a Career and Technical Education course at Los Alamos High School (LAHS). Courtesy/LAPS

Scene from a Career and Technical Education course at LAHS. Courtesy/LAPS

Troubleshooting car repairs. Preparing a three-course meal in a commercial kitchen. Building a storage shed. Writing computer code. Developing a business plan. These are just a few of the skills students at Los Alamos High School (LAHS) are learning in courses in Career and Technical Education (CTE).

According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who complete a sequence of CTE courses in high school are more likely to graduate on time and enroll in postsecondary education.

The Association for Career and Technical Education sponsored a public awareness campaign, Career and Technical Education Monthduring February to celebrate the accomplishments of CTE programs and the importance of CTE for all students of all ages.

Over 56% of students at LAHS are currently enrolled in at least one CTE course. The school offers over 25 courses in subject categories including Business, Computer Science, Family and Consumer Sciences, Industrial and Occupational, Naval Science and Technology.

Scott Pomeroy, who has been teaching Consumer Auto Mechanics and Advanced Auto for over 21 years, has seen over 6,500 students pass through the auto shop doors. “Six in ten of the automotive technicians employed in Los Alamos have passed through this program,” he said. “And we have a number of students who have gone on to technical schools and are working in the industry across the country.”

Pomeroy, along with fellow auto shop teacher Micah Church, collaborated with Lincoln Technical Institute and Tesla for an onsite visit earlier this semester.

Students had the opportunity to learn about the technician program as well as opportunities at Tesla. There was also a car demonstration.

Pomeroy and Church also teach an introduction to metalworking class. James Steritz teaches building trades classes. LAHS also offers four levels of Naval Science, led by Aron Ayers and Matthew Bohlen. Allan Didier teaches courses in Computer Science, including game design, computer maintenance and graphics and modeling. Don Davis teaches two levels of Robotics as well as engineering design classes.

While recent statistics indicate that a majority of students choose to attend four-year colleges after graduation, there is a growing percentage that are choosing two-year colleges and vocational schools. The LAHS class of 2023 reported over 13% of students moving on to two-year and vocational schools after graduation.

Melinda Atkinson, the LAHS Culinary Arts teacher, not only introduces students to the basics of culinary arts, but prepares advanced students in her ProStart class for competitions. ProStart® is a two-year, industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students. This program prepares students for employment in restaurants and food service.

“ProStart students learn next level skills in meal planning, meal prep, presentation, and time management,” Mrs. Atkinson said. Juli Miller also teaches baking and child development classes.

There are also elective courses in CTE at the middle school, including engineering design, pre-engineering and robotics, computer concepts and computer science. Los Alamos Middle School teacher Brent Collom worked together with Assistant Superintendent Carter Payne to secure funding through the Carl Perkins grant to expand course offerings for middle school students. “CTE courses at the middle school prepare students for the more advanced CTE courses at the high school,” he explained.

The Los Alamos Early College and Career Academy (LAECCA) is another avenue which enables students to take college level courses in Robotics, Emergency Medical Services, and Business and Marketing. Since its inception, 36 students have received certificates through LAECCA. There are currently 51 students enrolled in the program.

In addition, the high school’s DECA program offers students opportunities in the fields of marketing, finance, business management, and hospitality and tourism. Eight students from LAHS recently qualified to participate in the International DECA competition. Dr. Sharon Hurley, the DECA sponsor, teaches courses in business management and law, desktop publishing, marketing and information management.

“Our curriculum opens the doors for our students to pursue their goals after graduation,” LAHS Principal Renee Dunwoody said. “Whether they want to pursue college or a vocation, we provide the foundation for their success.”

Scene from a Career and Technical Education course at LAHS. Courtesy/LAPS

Scene from a Career and Technical Education course at LAHS. Courtesy/LAPS

Scene from a Career and Technical Education course at LAHS. Courtesy/LAPS