CTE Programs Finish Strong, Building Skills and Futures
The Mancos School District's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are wrapping up the year on a high note, with students gaining real-world skills, exploring career paths, and finishing hands-on projects that make a difference.
In Mr. Witt’s entrepreneurship class, students presented their yearlong business proposals to a panel of local judges. Through this course, students learned the fundamentals of starting and running a business, gaining experience in marketing, budgeting, and product development, critical components of workforce readiness and economic self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, Montee VanKeuren, instructor for the welding and shop students, completed the construction of the trailer for Mancos Gear Share, a challenging project that tested their resilience and determination. The wood shop students are putting finishing touches on a storage shed they constructed, which will be sold to raise funds for future projects. This student-led enterprise model will soon expand: next year, and plans to incorporate more CAD and fabrication production by using the new plasma cutter and CNC router, acquired through our partnership with Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative (SWCEC), producing items to sell in partnership with the entrepreneurship class. These collaborations give students hands-on experience in manufacturing, business planning, and product marketing.
In Culinary Arts, Gina Love and her students took a sweet route to success, literally. They funded their recent field trip to the 11th Street Station in Durango, which is a food truck collective, by baking and selling pies by the slice to staff and students. The visit offered valuable insight into what it takes to run a mobile food business. Back in class, students are now preparing their final food truck proposals, which include branding, menu design, budgeting, and the creation of a signature dish for a panel of judges to taste.
The Drone Technology class, led by Jason Witt, also had a strong finish. Students completed several film projects around campus and, despite a rain delay, are still planning to film a promotional project for the Town of Mancos. Thanks to the Colorado Division of Aeronautics Discretionary Aviation grant, the program received new drones and upgraded filming equipment, which will allow for even more advanced projects next year, including coverage of campus events and community initiatives. Congratulations to Kayden Anderson, who has obtained his UAS Part 107 Drones license this year!
And finally, congratulations to senior Brandon Vannest, who became the fifth student to complete the district’s new CDL course and earn his commercial driver’s license, taught by Bart Small and Dailey Solutions. This program has been a game-changer, especially for students looking to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
These successes highlight the growing need for skilled trades and workforce-ready students in Colorado and beyond. With recent state legislation focusing on apprenticeships, stackable credentials, and increased funding for technical education, Mancos CTE students are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. Our district remains committed to empowering students with the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in today’s job market—and tomorrow’s.