Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month is the perfect time to spotlight how Colorado Early Colleges prepares students for what comes next, whether that’s college, a career, or both. CEC campuses across the state offer robust CTE pathways that combine hands-on learning, industry-recognized certifications, and real-world experience.
Here’s a look across the network of what students can explore as a potential career path, with example courses listed by campus! Courses and pathways may vary depending on availability, so please check with your preferred school for confirmation!
Health Science Pathway
Colorado Early Colleges offers a strong foundation in health science across multiple campuses, giving students early exposure to medical and healthcare careers.
- CEC Fort Collins:
Courses: Anatomy and Physiology - CEC Online Campus:
Courses: Anatomy and Physiology - CEC Aurora:
Courses: Intro to Health Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Law and Ethics in Healthcare - CEC Douglas County North:
Courses: Intro to Health Science, Anatomy and Physiology - CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems
Computer Science & Information Technology Pathway
Students gain hands-on experience in programming, cybersecurity, networking, and emerging technologies. This pathway leads to certifications like Microsoft Office Suite, Cybersecurity, Python, HTML and CSS and more.
- CEC Fort Collins:
Courses: PC Applications, Principles of Computing, AI and App Development, Cybersecurity A/B, Computer Programming I - CEC Online Campus:
Courses: Digital Literacy, Computer Programming I & II, Certification Lab - CEC Aurora:
Courses: Digital Literacy, Certification Lab, Microsoft Applications, Unity - CEC Douglas County North:
Courses: A+ Certification Courses, Networking, Programming, Computer Science Foundations - CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Digital Literacy, Linux, Security Pro, Microsoft Academy, IT Fundamentals, Cyber Defense
Engineering Pathway
Engineering programs emphasize design thinking, robotics, and real-world problem solving.
- CEC Fort Collins:
Courses: Computer Modeling and 3D Printing, Engineering Innovation, Robotics - CEC Aurora:
Courses: Intro to Engineering, Digital Electronics, Robotics - CEC Douglas County North:
Courses: Robotics, SolidWorks - CEC Castle Rock:
Courses: Engineering Design, Robotics - CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Robotics
Aviation Pathway
Students explore flight, drone technology, and aviation systems. This pathway helps students earn the FAA Part 107 certification.
- CEC Fort Collins:
Courses: Drone Basics - CEC Aurora:
Courses: Intro to Aviation, Aviation Weather, UAS & Drone Technology, Advanced Flight - CEC Douglas County North:
Courses: Drones - CEC Castle Rock:
Courses: Drones - CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Intro to Aviation, Drones
Business Pathway
Business programs focus on entrepreneurship, marketing, communication, and workplace readiness. Students in this pathway can earn certifications like Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks, ESB and more.
- CEC Fort Collins:
Courses: Intro to Business, Business Law, Business Communication, Social Media for Business, Business Ethics - CEC Aurora:
Courses: Entrepreneurship Concepts, Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, Marketing Fundamentals - CEC Douglas County North:
Courses: Intro to Business, Business Communication, Business Law, Work-Based Learning, Marketing - CEC Castle Rock:
Courses: Intro to Business, Business Communication, Business Law - CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Intro to Business
Multimedia Pathway
Creative and digital media programs prepare students for careers in design, film, and content creation, plus a certification in Adobe.
- CEC Fort Collins:
Courses: Adobe Suite, Film I & II - CEC Online Campus:
Courses: Digital Photography, Adobe, Game Design Development - CEC Aurora:
Courses: Unity Certified User - CEC Douglas County North:
Courses: Applied New Media, Adobe Suite - CEC Castle Rock:
Courses: Intro to Mass Media, Digital Media, Intro to Broadcasting - CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Digital Art Foundations, Intro to Film
Mental & Behavioral Health Pathway
Focused on wellness, intervention, and social services foundations.
- CEC Aurora:
Courses: Mental Health Crisis and Intervention, Intro to Behavioral Health, Intro to Social Work - CEC Douglas County North:
Courses: Mental Health Crisis and Intervention, Intro to Behavioral Health
Criminal Justice Pathway
Students explore law, forensic science, and the justice system.
- CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Intro to Criminal Justice, Delinquent Behavior - CEC Online Campus:
Courses: Forensic Science
Education Pathway
Preparing future educators with foundational coursework.
- CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Early Childhood Education, Guidance Strategies for Children
Construction & Trades Pathway
Hands-on training in construction and skilled trades which leads to certifications in HBI Pre-Apprenticeship,
OSHA-10, and PACT CORE.
- CEC Fort Collins:
Courses: Principles of Construction (HBI), Woodworking I - CEC Aurora:
Courses: Principles of Construction (HBI), Carpentry, Electrical I - CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Woodworking, Geometry in Construction
Other Career Pathways
Additional programs support culinary, agriculture, and mechanical interests.
- CEC Aurora:
Courses: ServSafe I & II - CEC Online Campus:
Courses: Horticulture: Growing the Future, Food Science - CEC Colorado Springs:
Courses: Cooking, Horticulture - CEC Fort Collins:
Courses: Small Engine Repair
CTE at CEC is about more than classes. It’s about opportunity, confidence, and career readiness. This CTE Month, we’re proud to celebrate the pathways that empower students to turn their interests into futures and their education into impact.
