A Project Aligned with the community's vision
Calhan, Colorado is a community with a strong agricultural tradition where hard work and practical skills are valued. Just 35 miles northeast of Colorado Springs, Calhan School District is taking a bold step towards the future with a brand-new, state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility thanks to the dedication of the community and partnerships with Bryan Construction and CSNA Architecture. This isn’t just about learning a trade; it’s about empowering students to explore a variety of trade pathways to discover new skills and opportunities for success in a rapidly changing world. The 25,000 sq ft facility will be the new destination for choice and relevance, experience, and significance in Calhan.
Superintendent Slothower paints a clear picture of the problem of education in general: “It’s been moving at a ‘glacial’ pace, failing to adapt to the needs and desires of today’s students. We knew we were behind the 8-ball in terms of CTE and what we could offer our students,” he says. “We needed to be able to offer a truly comprehensive education, one that resonated with our students and prepared them for their end game.” In Calhan, where 83% of students favor CTE pathways, offering a one-size-fits-all college-focused approach simply doesn’t resonate. Recognizing this much needed shift in programming, Calhan has embraced CTE experiences to empower its students with real-world skills and open doors to rewarding careers.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS:
- Modern facilities: Gone are the make-shift, underperforming spaces that were barely adequate for the types of classes Calhan could offer. The new CTE facility boasts dedicated metal, welding, woodshop, and family consumer science kitchens, providing the tools and spaces for relevant learning opportunities.
- Diverse pathways: From welding and carpentry to cybersecurity and emergency dispatch, students can explore various career paths that pique their interest and offer high-paying opportunities.
- Real-world partnerships: Collaborations with local businesses and organizations offer paid internships and practical experiences, bridging the gap between classroom and career.
More than just introductory skills, it’s about:
- Engagement: When students see relevance and potential, they’re energized. Slothower highlights a 10x increase in program engagement, showcasing the power of offering meaningful choices.
- Life skills: Managing personal finances, learning about loans, and gaining practical knowledge for maintaining a healthy lifestyle for example, are essential skills that empower students for life, regardless of their chosen path.
- Collaboration: Cross-curricular projects weave subjects together, demonstrating the interconnectedness of knowledge to deepen understanding for practical applications.
Building a Legacy
The Calhan School District’s commitment to CTE is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s an investment in the future of its students and the community. By providing relevant, engaging learning opportunities, Calhan is empowering its young people to chart their own course, contribute to the local economy, and build fulfilling lives. This is a testament to the power of education that goes beyond textbooks, siloed subjects, and traditional classrooms.
Beyond the Shop Floor – It’s Future Forward
The new CTE facility is a symbol of commitment from the Calhan community to its students, and it’s also a promise of opportunity, empowerment, and a future built on choice and relevant skills. It’s a testament to the belief that every student, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to succeed at all levels. And Calhan isn’t going it alone. Collaborations with nearby cybersecurity firms and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office provide students with real-world experience through internships and training programs. Imagine graduating high school with a $50,000-a-year job offer in hand, thanks to your CTE skills and experience – that’s the reality for some Calhan students.
Something bigger is happening in Calhan; we see this as just the beginning. The future of this District is bright, and it’s being built on a foundation of relevant skills, collaborative projects, differentiated experiences, and a shared vision for success.
