Adams 12 to Launch Career Education in Middle Schools by 2026
When Matt Schmidt observes the middle school students in Adams 12, he worries about those at risk of falling behind.
Starting in the fall of 2026, Adams 12 Five Star Schools will introduce career and technical education (CTE) programs in six middle schools. This new initiative represents a $2.3 million investment aimed at keeping sixth graders engaged through hands-on learning with tools like 3D printers and broadcasting equipment.
This program is funded by a recent mill levy override and the district’s significant bond package of $830 million for 2024. The decision to implement CTE at this level marks a shift from the norm, as traditional career exploration typically begins in high school. Adams 12 joins various districts across the country that believe waiting until ninth grade may be too late to spark student interest.
“The aim is to catch students before they lose motivation,” Schmidt said, the district’s executive director for secondary options and innovative programming. He highlighted the challenging journey many students face without early engagement, noting that by 16 or 17 years old, they might be too far behind in credits to take valuable classes in areas like healthcare or technology.
Addressing the Middle School Challenge
Research shows that eighth grade often serves as a crucial point for maintaining academic engagement. Students who struggle in middle school face a significantly higher risk of dropping out, yet most career programs don’t reach them until they are in high school.
Superintendent Chris Gdowski views the CTE expansion as part of a broader strategy to offer various pathways to success. Recent community feedback during a strategic planning process emphasized the need for more options for students considering alternatives to traditional four-year colleges.
“We need to create an environment where every student feels they belong,” Gdowski stated. “Not every child learns the same way, and CTE provides a different way to reach students who might otherwise feel disconnected.”
Currently, Adams 12 serves around 1,850 high school students across its FutureForward campuses, which focus on sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. The upcoming middle school programs will include offerings in design thinking, business fundamentals, entrepreneurship, and family and consumer sciences. Schools such as Northglenn, Rocky Top, Shadow Ridge, Thornton, Westlake, and Hulstrom K-8 will be the first to host dedicated CTE spaces.
Each of these schools will benefit from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet of space designed for hands-on learning, focusing on those that currently lack appropriate facilities.
Changing Perspectives on Career Education
Modern CTE programs support students at various academic levels. Many participants plan to earn four-year degrees while using technical skills to help pay for college.
“In the past, CTE was often viewed as a last resort for students struggling in academics,” Schmidt remarked. “Now, it’s a valuable opportunity for all students.”
Adams 12’s existing healthcare programs already provide pathways for students to become certified nursing assistants while studying. Technology students are also earning industry certifications, and engineering students are developing essential problem-solving skills.
The district’s approach reflects successful elementary STEM initiatives, showing that early exposure can boost high school participation and graduation rates. Adams 12 is now applying this strategy to career pathways that range from skilled trades to healthcare.
Investing in the Future
Funding from bonds will support facility construction starting this summer, as well as the purchase of specialized equipment like vinyl cutters and heat presses for entrepreneurship programs. A recent mill levy will help secure qualified instructors, a crucial factor in a time when many districts struggle to find experienced CTE teachers.
The FutureForward campuses will also expand, with construction projects scheduled to continue until 2028 for Bollman and 2029 for Washington Square.
Daniel Morgan, the bond communications specialist, indicated that all projects are on track despite rising construction costs. The district is committed to meeting deadlines established during bond approval, which aim to honor community trust.
At the middle school level, industry partnerships will take different forms. Activities like guest speakers and field trips will replace the internships common in high school CTE programs. The district plans to expose middle school students to local career opportunities early on, through shadowing or career fairs tailored for younger audiences.
Gdowski stressed that the success of this initiative hinges on the support from school leaders and teachers who will need to integrate CTE into their school culture. The district intends to provide professional development to help educators see how career exploration enhances, rather than competes with, academic learning.
“The success of these programs won’t solely rely on test scores,” Schmidt noted. “We aim for fewer students entering ninth grade feeling disillusioned about school. Early engagement is key. If we can connect with kids in middle school, their chances of succeeding in high school greatly increase.”
