New partnership to new pathways for high school students

New for the 2023-24 academic year, Youthentity has partnered with Roaring Fork Schools to create defined career pathways for high school students.  These pathways will be approved by the state to show a clear connection between the classroom and the industry following the state guidelines.  The pathways were developed by the state Department of Education to align industry demand and academic programs featuring hands-on, work-based learning opportunities.  These programs must be at least two school years in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials and high-wage, high-skill, in-demand employment or further education in that field. Creating an approved pathway recognized by the state also opens CTE funding for the district that is restricted to use for those programs.

Youthentity has been chosen to provide high-level courses for the construction pathway.  Working with the Colorado River BOCES, RFSD, and CMC, we will be building a tiny house at Bridges High School beginning fall of 2023.  All four groups will share the expense of the new instructor.  BOCES will be providing the trailer and building materials as well as the design and prints for the tiny home, while Youthentity will provide the teacher training, student instruction, and certifications.

Bridges, Roaring Fork, and Basalt students will work on this project.  Students from Glenwood Springs will be creating a similar structure at Gould Construction.  The pathway will begin with the woodworking classes at Glenwood and Roaring Fork High Schools.  As students progress through the courses, they will gain skills and industry knowledge with the intent of leaving high school with the ability to continue to CMC or join the workforce.

The class will be offered during the school day with Bridges attending in the mornings, and Basalt, Roaring Fork, and Glenwood students attending all afternoon.  The students working at Bridges and Gould will be on alternating days. 

We will be using the NCCER Core curriculum, as well as incorporating the OSHA 10 construction certification and the Intro to Business class with CMC.  Students completing the Youthentity course will earn 10 high school CTE elective credits, 10 math credits, and 8 college credits with CMC.

We are currently searching for an instructor with the intent of a start date in July.

Youthentity’s Hospitality and Culinary program is in the process of approval as a stand-alone pathway.  We will be offering it during the school day beginning this fall.  We currently offer the program as a two-year course, so it can be approved without any course offered at the participating high schools. This will open the course to more students as it will not compete with sports or after-school jobs.  We are currently working to get math and/or science credits approved for this course.