Boulder Valley Technical Education Center (TEC)

TEC offers vocationally approved secondary programs and is a state certified Designated Area Vocational School. TEC stands alone as the center of Career and Technical Education for the Boulder Valley School District. TEC has a unique responsibility to and partnership with the students of ARHS. Students, as ARHS freshmen, begin in the Career Pathways Center by identifying their career interests and aptitude through the Choices computer program.

One-quarter of the education received by an ARHS graduate is provided through TEC programs. Being housed on the campus with a career focus high school that requires certification in a Technical program, TEC is in the unique position of giving priority to the enrollment of ARHS students. Additionally, TEC provides a base of Career and Technical Education for the six other high schools within Boulder Valley School District. All students are concurrently enrolled in a home high school and TEC, attending TEC for half-day sessions.

Certifications in TEC programs may be earned after course completions ranging from one semester to two years. Articulation agreements for TEC programs are in place with Front Range Community College and Aims Community College.

• TEC Programs – include Automotive Technology, Banking and Service Accounting, Collision Repair Technology, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Engineering Graphics Technology, Esthetician, Graphic Communications, IT Academy (CIS and CISCO), Manicuring, Multimedia Technology, Nursing Assistant, Pet Grooming, Veterinary Aide and Landscaping.

• Combined Diploma Program – An alternative diploma program for students with disabilities. The students are those for whom the traditional comprehensive high school setting is not viable. Students enrolled in this program are those in TEC-only programs, from other district high schools, or ARHS. The program combines requirements for completing a Technical certificate with academic studies based upon a General Education Development ( GED) model, Community Service requirements and Transition classes, all of which lead to an alternative high school diploma. Graduates may enroll in a community college Associate Degree program, or may directly enter the workforce.

• Community Based Career Experience Programs – Housed on the campus are a variety of “work experience” programs that are utilized by every segment of the Boulder Valley School District. The operations of these Programs are guided by standard rules adopted by the district. Programs are available for all high school students, and are designed to meet a variety of needs from career preparations to work skill development and executive support level internships. These programs include the Employment Team, providing basic job skills training and ongoing support as determined by the IEP team for students with moderate to severe disabilities; the 18-21 Year Old Transition Program for students with disabilities transitioning from school to work; and the Career Experience Program (part of Boulder TEC) that offers high school credit to students for approved work experience, including internships and apprenticeships in partnership with the Department of Labor.