Our Courses

Future Planning 101 is a dynamic and interactive course designed for high school students at the cusp of making significant life decisions. This course aims to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to navigate their future, whether it involves further education, entering the workforce, or exploring other opportunities. This course is not just about planning for the future; it's about empowering students to confidently take the first steps towards their dreams and aspirations.

Course Objectives

1. Self-Discovery: Students will engage in activities to understand their strengths, interests, and values, facilitating informed decision-making about their future paths.

2. Career Exploration: Through research, guest speakers, and case studies, students will explore a variety of career options and understand the evolving job market.

3. Educational Pathways: Students will learn about different post-secondary education options, including college, vocational training, and alternative learning opportunities.

4. Financial Literacy: Key concepts in personal finance, including budgeting, saving, and understanding loans and scholarships, will be covered to prepare students for financial independence.

5. Life Skills: Practical skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, time management, and effective communication will be taught to aid in personal and professional development.

6. Goal Setting and Action Planning: Students will learn how to set achievable goals and develop action plans to reach their short-term and long-term objectives.

Are you a high school student who is starting to think about life after graduation? Or perhaps a parent who wants to support your child through the post-secondary/college planning process? Look no further! College/post-secondary planning 101 is a comprehensive course designed to equip high school students and their parents with the essential tools and knowledge needed to navigate the exciting world of college planning/post-secondary process.The course will be delivered through a mix of lectures, group discussions, interactive activities, and guest speakers. Participants will have access to online resources, including college planning tools, sample application materials, and scholarship databases.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the college/post-secondary admissions process: Learn about the key elements that colleges, trade schools, military consider during the admissions process, including GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

2. Explore different college/post-secondary options: Discover the variety of colleges and universities available, including public and private institutions, community colleges, and vocational schools. Gain insights into factors like location, size, majors, campus culture, and academic reputation.

3. Determine academic and career goals: Reflect on personal interests, strengths, and skills to identify potential areas of study. Explore different career paths and understand how education can help shape future professional aspirations.

4. Financial planning and scholarships: Obtain an overview of costs and financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Learn strategies for maximizing financial assistance and managing expenses.

5. Application process guidance: Receive step-by-step guidance on the application process, including the creation of a compelling resume, writing a standout personal statement, obtaining recommendation letters, and filling out application forms accurately and efficiently.

6. Developing essential skills: Develop essential skills required for academic and skills success, such as effective study habits, time management, and research skills. Learn about campus resources and support services available to students.

7. College/post-secondary visits and interviews: Gain insight into the importance of visits and interviews. Learn how to make the most out of these opportunities to assess right fit, ask the right questions, and leave a positive impression.

8. Decision-making and finalizing college/post-secondary choice: Understand the factors to consider when making a final decision, including program offerings, financial aid packages, campus visits, and gut instincts. Learn to make an informed choice that aligns with individual goals and aspirations.

Congratulations! You have successfully completed College Planning 101, and now it’s time to dive deeper into the college admissions journey. College Planning 102 is an advanced course designed to provide high school students and their parents with in-depth knowledge and strategies to navigate the complexities of college/post- secondary admissions and maximize their chances of getting accepted.

Course Objectives

1. Advanced college/post-secondary research: Conduct in-depth research on colleges and universities, exploring factors such as academic rigor, specialized programs, internship opportunities, study abroad options, and alumni networks. Learn to identify best-fit colleges, trade schools or programs based on individual preferences and academic goals.

2. SAT/ACT test or GED preparation: Receive comprehensive guidance on preparing for standardized tests. Learn effective test-taking strategies, time management techniques, and ways to improve scores. Gain access to practice tests and review materials.

3. Crafting a compelling application: Master the art of the application. Explore techniques for writing impactful essays, capturing personal stories, and showcasing unique qualities and experiences. Develop a polished application that stands out among the competition.

4. Recommendation letters and supplemental materials: Understand the significance of recommendation letters and supplemental materials. Learn to choose the right recommenders, provide guidance on what information to share, and strategize the submission of additional materials like portfolios or creative work.

5. Understanding financial aid: Navigate the complex world of financial aid and scholarships. Gain insights into different types of scholarships, merit-based aid, need-based aid, and eligibility criteria. Learn how to negotiate financial aid packages and explore alternative funding options.

6. College/post-secondary interview strategies: Perfect your interview skills for admissions interviews. Learn how to present yourself confidently, articulate your goals, and respond to challenging questions. Practice mock interviews to build confidence and master interview etiquette.

7. Early decision/early action considerations: Understand the pros and cons of early decision and early action admission options. Learn about the implications of commitment and financial aid implications. Gain clarity on whether and when it’s appropriate to apply early.

8. Admissions waitlists and appeals: Navigate the complexities of college waitlists and appealing financial aid offers.

This is a placement and mentoring program that is offered to students who have completed Future Planning 101. It is not a regular course; rather, it is an individualized program that includes some or all of the following, based on the student’s Future Plan:

• Assistance selecting and registering for appropriate career-oriented courses at the Innovation Center, Career Elevation and Technology Center, AIMS Community College, Front Range Community College, etc.

• Assistance locating and arranging appropriate job shadows, internships, volunteer activities, etc.

• Weekly check-ins (in person, virtually, or by phone) to provide encouragement, clarification, accountability, problem-solving, and support to self-advocate as needed.

• Transcripting of credits earned through coursework, internships, or volunteer experiences, along with assessment documentation for internships and volunteer experiences.

Learn how cars function, how to use common automotive tools, how to conduct routine maintenance, and how to perform minor repairs. Valuable for those interested in exploring a career in the automotive industry, or those just interested in knowing how to better care for their own vehicles.

Learn basic woodworking skills and principles, as well as how to use standard woodworking tools and equipment. Design and create at least one independent project made of wood.

This class will explore various forms of communications, to strengthen one’s communication skills.  This class will explore many different types of public speeches and presentations, along with various other forms of communications, including emails, resumes, letters, goal setting, social media, paraphrasing, and more. The class will discuss types of communications within each category, with in-class demonstrations and opportunities to practice. Take-home assignments will also challenge students to understand the skill and present it in class.  There will be presentation and theory on all topics, with an opportunity for students to share what they learned by preparing speeches or presentations for the class. The final project will be a group assignment that will culminate with an evening presentation for family and friends.  This project may also be taken to outside groups (Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, retirement homes...) as a means of service and entertainment. Examples of speeches that will be studied and practiced:

• Extemporaneous: a speech that is prepared and rehearsed but not written out word for word. 

• Impromptu: a speech that is made up on the spot with little or no preparation. 

• Informative: a speech that aims to educate the audience on a topic. 

• Persuasive: a speech that aims to convince the audience to adopt a certain point of view or take a certain action. 

• Entertaining: a speech that aims to amuse, interest, or inspire the audience. 

• Story Telling: this is a speech/presentation that can use props or book to share a story to amuse an audience 

• Ceremonial speeches: delivered on special occasions such as weddings, funerals, or graduations. 

• TV or Radio script: to tell a story to the masses.

This class will encompass two- and three-dimensional art, along with various other types of creative expression. Students will experiment with a variety of projects, media, and creative activities, then will have opportunity to delve more deeply into a topic that particularly interested them.

View movies and clips and discuss how media communicates a message, including what components such as lighting, music, camera angles, etc., contribute to the film's effectiveness. Projects will allow students to experiment with these components in their own short film segments.

Interested in a career in horticulture, or just interested in gardening as a serious hobby? Cultivate a love of plants and learn what makes them not only grow, but thrive. This course combines horticulture (the science of growing) with gardening (the practice of growing). We will cover the basics of soil, water, and climate in the growing process. We’ll also look at the identification, planting, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, fruits and vegetables, herbs, and houseplants. Our practice of landscape design will help bring it all together. Come and get your hands dirty!

A variety of activities in the gym or in the field, depending on the activity and the weather, possibly including soccer, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, disc golf, and more.

Students will be introduced to common vocabulary, phrases and concepts necessary for daily interpersonal interaction. Emphasis will be place on basic communication and comprehension in everyday situations. Students will gain a working knowledge of the basic structure of the language using the present tense. Students will engage in activities, presentations, conversations, field trips, and projects to enhance their learning.

Spanish II is a continuation of the Spanish I course. Students will continue to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and will begin to learn verb tenses other than present tense. Skills are developed through reading, writing, and listening activities, as well as varied opportunities to practice speaking.