Career and Technical Education

Explore Your Future with CTE at DHS

At Durango High School, Career & Technical Education (CTE) lets you turn your interests into real-world skills. Through hands-on courses, you’ll explore career options, gain industry experience, and even earn college credit or professional certifications – all before graduation.

Each CTE pathway at DHS is connected to a Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO), a national organization that offers leadership development, competitive opportunities, and career exploration tailored to your field of study.

By participating in your CTSO, you’ll gain:

Leadership and competition experience
Opportunities for travel, recognition, and scholarships
A community of peers who share your interests and goals
Networking with industry leaders in your career field

No matter your goals after high school, CTE helps you take real steps toward a meaningful and successful future!

DHS CTE Career Clusters, Pathways & CTSOs

CTE programs at DHS are organized into Career Clusters – groups of related pathways that reflect real industries and career possibilities. Use these categories to explore your interests and prepare for your life after high school.

Explore the CTE Pathways, courses and correlating CTSOs listed below.

How to Register for your CTSO

To join your CTSO, you must be enrolled in the corresponding CTE pathway. Start by signing up and submitting your membership fee. Then, download the permission form, fill it out, and bring it to your CTSO advisor to complete your registration. Use the sign-up buttons to take the next step.

Questions? Talk to your CTE teacher to learn more!

Career Clusters and Pathways

Caring for Communities
For students who are compassionate, nurturing, and want to make a difference in people’s lives. Explore careers in healthcare, early childhood, and community well-being.

Early Childhood Education
CTSO: FCCLA

PCC Introduction to Early Childhood Education (L1)
PCC Intermediate Early Childhood Education (L2)
PCC Advanced Early Childhood Education (L3)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Medical Clinical Assistant
CTSO: HOSA

PCC Introduction to Healthcare Careers (L1)
PCC Medical Terminology (L2)
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant A/B (L3)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Building & Moving
Ideal for hands-on learners who enjoy building, designing, and working with tools, machines and manufacturing.

Construction
CTSO: SkillsUSA

Woodworking Technology (L1)
Carpentry Technology A/B (L2)
Construction Technology A/B (L3)
Advanced Carpentry/Woodworking A/B (L4)
Building Modeling A/B (L4)
Work-Based Learning and/or Capstone (L4)

Engineering
CTSO: FTC Robotics and/or TSA

Principles of Engineering & Technology (L1)
Introduction to Engineering Design A/B (L2)
Applied Engineering Design A/B (L3)
Robotics (L3)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Welding
CTSO: SkillsUSA

Introduction to Welding (L1)
PCC Welding 1 A/B (L2)
PCC Welding 2 A/B (L3)
PCC Welding 3 A/B (L4)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Connecting & Supporting Success
For students interested in leadership, business, technology, or helping others reach their potential.

Business Management & Entrepreneurship
CTSO: DECA

PCC Introduction to Business (L1)
PCC 200 Principles of Marketing (L2)
PCC 200 Principles of Management (L3)
PCC Entrepreneurship A; PCC 200 Entrepreneurship B (L3/4)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Computer & Digital Technologies
CTSO: TSA

Computer Programming (L1)
AP Computer Science Principles A/B (L2)
AP Computer Science A A/B (L3)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Creating & Experiencing
A great fit for students who are creative, expressive, and interested in design, broadcast media, fashion or culinary.

Culinary & Food Services
CTSO: FCCLA

Culinary Essentials (L1)
Pro Start 1 A/B (L2)
Pro Start 2 A/B (L3)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Design & Multimedia Arts
CTSO: TSA

Foundations of Multimedia Arts (L1)
Graphic Design & Illustration 1 (L2)
Graphic Design & Illustration 2 A/B (L3)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Digital Media & Communications
CTSO: TSA

Digital Media (L1)
Audio/Video Production A/B (L2)
Broadcast Production A/B (L2)
Filmmaking A/B (L3)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Fashion & Interiors
CTSO: FCCLA

Interior Design 1 (L1)
Fashion Design & Merchandising 1 (L1)
Fashion Design & Merchandising 2 (L2)
Theater Costume Design (L3)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Cultivating Resources

Ideal for students who enjoy working with animals, plants, or environmental systems and want to care for our natural world.

Agriculture
CTSO: FFA

Animal Science

Introduction to Agriculture A/B (L1)
Principles of Animal & Veterinary Science A/B (L2)
Intermediate Veterinary Science A/B (L3)
Ag Leadership A/B (L4)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Plant Science

Introduction to Agriculture A/B (L1)
Principles of Plant Science A/B (L2)
Floriculture A/B (L3)
Ag Leadership A/B (L4)
Work-Based Learning (L4)
Capstone (L4)

Alternative Cooperative Education (ACE) is a multi-occupational pathway that provides individualized, developmentally appropriate programming for students identified as Special Populations.

Programming is designed in collaboration with educators, business partners, and community members, creating relevant school- and work-based learning experiences. Students build workforce readiness skills that lead to technical skill attainment in high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand careers.

Alternative Cooperative Education
CTSO: SC2

ACE CTE Financial Literacy (L1)
ACE CTE School Based Learning (L2)
ACE CTE Community Work-Based Learning (L3)
ACE CTE Pathway Lab (L4)