The Alternative Cooperative Education or ACE program is a CTE program created with the ultimate goal of preparing young adults to be occupationally effective, socially responsible, and functionally independent in mind.

The ACE program provides positive experiences which enable students to achieve success in school as well as prepare them for the working world. In this program, participants discover the connection between personality, interest and career choice. 

Agriculture and Animal Science

The Agriculture program at Falcon HS is a 4-year program designed to introduce students to various careers in agriculture in 3 pathways: Animal Science (both Vet Science and Equine Science), Plant Science, and Agri-Business. Students will have opportunities to volunteer, job shadow, and intern as well as participate and serve as leaders in FFA (Future Farmers of America).

Biomedical Technology

These courses provide financial experience for a career in the medical field or post-secondary education. Healthcare career pathways include EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, or Patient Care Technician. EMT may also be offered, based on demand. Introductory Health Science courses lead to medical terminology, forensics, athletic training, anatomy & physiology, ethical & legal issues, and biomedical innovation courses along with other higher level courses, often culminating with clinical experience and opportunities to take state licensure exams. College credit is an option in some pathways.

Business 

Business courses include an introductory course, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, as well as Legal Environment, Management, Customer Service, and Event Management. Site visits, job shadows, and internships are available for career-connected learning opportunities. 

Coding is a course intended to teach students the basics of computer programming. The course places emphasis on practicing standard programming techniques and learning the logic tools and methods typically used by programmers to create simple computer applications. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to solve problems by planning multistep procedures; write, analyze, review, and revise programs, converting detailed information from workflow charts and diagrams into coded instructions in a computer language;and will be able to troubleshoot/debug programs and software applications to correct malfunctions and ensure their proper execution. 

Construction Trades

Students are introduced to shop safety protocols, and develop skills carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC as they participate in the construction of a 1200 sq ft home build at the Legacy Campus. Students have the opportunity to earn industry certifications and participate in career fairs, job shadows, summer work, and internships.

Top Reasons to Consider a Career in Construction

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. Aerospace, Civil & Architecture (level 3 courses), Digital Electronics, and Drones are offered on various campuses. Job shadows and internships with local engineering businesses are available.

Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts is a 4-year program, beginning with basic food handling and kitchen safety skills, basic culinary & catering skills, then moving on to more complex culinary skills common in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Year 3 students learn leadership skills, coordinate menus, and cater to district and local events. Students have the option to take industry certifications and are encouraged to apply for site visits, job shadows, and internships.

Manufacturing

Students learn basic concepts of modern manufacturing from raw materials to finished products, 3D modeling (CAD/CAM), and interpreting engineering drawings. Students will develop skills in shop safety, machining, welding, cutting, as well as setup operations and inspection. Students will perform machine operations using the engine lathe, milling machine, vertical drill press, and grinders and will be introduced to CNC machining and welding using MIG, TIG, SMAW, plasma cutting, and oxygen acetylene welding and cutting. Opportunity to apply for college credit is available, as well as job shadows and internships with local manufacturing companies.

Cybersecurity is a course intended to teach students the basic concepts of cybersecurity. The course places an emphasis 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 be able to demonstrate and 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. 

Technology 

Technology pathways include coding, network security systems, and web design and provide hands-on learning to prepare students for careers such as cybersecurity, robotics, software development, game design, web design, and others. Opportunities to test for industry certifications are available, as well as job shadows and internships with local companies in these career pathways.

Career exploration and preparation are available to all students in D49 through sequenced Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses offered at six high schools and four middle schools.

The Agriculture and Animal Science Pathway at Falcon HS is a four-year program that introduces students to careers in agriculture through three pathways: Animal Science (Vet Science and Equine Science), Plant Science, and Agri-Business. Students can participate in FFA (Future Farmers of America) activities, intern, job shadow, and volunteer.

The Business and Marketing Administration program covers a range of business courses, including Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and more. Students have opportunities for site visits, internships, job shadows, and learning about various business sectors.

The Construction Trades program allows students to learn carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC skills while participating in the construction of a home. Students can earn industry certifications, attend career fairs, intern, and job shadow.

The Culinary Arts program is a three-year program that teaches basic to advanced culinary skills, including catering and restaurant industry skills. Students can earn industry certifications, participate in events, and gain experience through site visits, job shadows, and internships.

The Education program's Teacher Cadet program provides students with insights into teaching, exploring education's historical, cultural, and legal aspects. Students can observe classrooms, shadow teachers, and even intern while earning college credits.

The Engineering program involves foundational engineering courses that involve problem-solving using design techniques. Students explore aerospace and civil & architectural engineering, with opportunities for job shadows and internships at local engineering businesses.

The Graphic Design program teaches students graphic design tools, techniques, and layout principles. Adobe software, typography, and critical thinking are emphasized in this program.

The Commercial Photography program focuses on photography fundamentals, digital design, and aesthetics, using industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop. Students can earn college credits.

The Healthcare program offers various healthcare pathways, including Nurse Aide, Athletic Trainer, and Biomedical Technician. Students study medical subjects and gain clinical experience, with the possibility of earning college credit and licensure in some pathways.

The Manufacturing program teaches students modern manufacturing concepts, 3D modeling, machining, welding, and CNC operations. College credit options, internships, and job shadows with local manufacturing companies are available.

The Technology program encompasses coding, network security, and web design. Students prepare for tech careers like cybersecurity, software development, and more, with options for industry certifications, internships, and job shadows.

All these programs provide students with hands-on experiences, industry knowledge, and skill development to prepare them for diverse careers in their chosen fields. There are no requirements for entry into any of these programs.

For more details on offered programs, click the program details linked at the bottom of the site page. 

Coming soon!

• D49 Construction Program Flyer
• D49 Culinary Program Flyer
• Peyton Automotive Program Flyer
• Peyton Woods Program Flyer
• Construction and Culinary Application @ Patriot High School (Application closes two weeks after the start of the school year) 

24-25 Bus Schedule (Inter-Campus High Schools, Career Start/AVP, International Salon, and Spa Academy & Pike Peak State College Centennial Campus)Bus Schedule

2 Hour Delayed Start Bus Schedule

The demand for skilled professionals is on the rise in Colorado Springs. According to the chart below, the top three jobs in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 occupations are linked to six major job profiles that are most prevalent in Tier 1 occupations. These jobs have been ranked based on projected annual openings across the state in the next 10 years.

If you're looking for detailed information about in-demand jobs in the Pike Peak Region, be sure to visit Colorado's Talent Pipeline Data site. Additionally, if you're interested in D49 career preparation, our  Career Start and Work-based Learning webpages provide information on tuition-free training, job shadows, and internships available while in high school.

If you're thinking about pursuing a career in construction and want to know more about our D49 partnership, visit Career in Construction Colorado. Their mission is to enable students to choose a career in construction by providing practical training and industry-recognized certification, all while cultivating a sustainable workforce.