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A faculty member and student talk at the Aims Automotive workshop.

Career Academy

Get a head start on your college career by taking college Career & Technical Education (CTE) classes for free and earn certificates while you're still in high school.

Career Academy is a form of Concurrent Enrollment that provides you with the opportunity to take college classes while still in high school and to receive dual credit. However, it differs from the Concurrent Enrollment program in several ways.

  • As a Career Academy student, you are able to take outlined college courses to earn certificates in the participating CTE programs, free of charge. 
  • There is a minimum 1-year commitment (2 semesters, although some programs are longer). 
  • Classes are offered at the Aims campuses and online, depending on the program or class. 
  • You must provide your own transportation to and from your courses. 
  • The cost of tuition, fees and course materials is paid for by your school district. Therefore, the program is often described as a scholarship program.

Upon graduation from high school, you can continue with your college career ahead of others and/or begin working at entry-level jobs in many of those fields.

Get Started in Career Academy

High school students interested in earning Career & Technical Education program certificates at Aims while still enrolled in high school should follow the steps outlined below. 

  1. Ask your high school counselor if your school participates in Career Academy. 
  2. Consider attending Career Academy Day at Aims in the spring. This is a great way to find out if the program is right for you. 
  3. See which Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are available for your school.
  4. Find out if you qualify to participate per your district rules.
  5. Once you have received the 'OK' from your counselor, they will help you complete the next steps.
  6. Apply to Aims Community College.
  7. Choose a CTE program.
  8. Complete the Career Academy Application, including student and parent/guardian signatures, and submit it to your high school counselor.

Why Should I Participate?

There are many benefits to enrolling in Career Academy that include time and cost savings and getting a head start on your college education while still in high school.

Get a Jump on College and Your Career

  • Graduate high school with certificates in hand and be more employable.
  • Get a feel for college courses before you graduate high school.
  • Learn in a college environment and get a feel for a real college campus.
  • Graduate college at a younger age due to earning college credit while in high school.

Your School District Pays for Your Participation

  • There is no cost to you, the student.
  • Includes course materials such as books, tools, welding hoods, scrubs, etc.

The Career Academy program has helped prepare me on what to expect in college and has also opened new opportunities. It has helped me follow my plans because I can now work as a CNA. They even offer to pay to further my education which has helped me a lot financially. I'm forever grateful for having been part of the program.
--Brittany, Career Academy Med Prep student

Participating School Districts

  • Greeley-Evans District 6
  • University Schools
  • Thompson R2-J
  • Weld RE-1
  • Weld RE-3J
  • Weld RE-4
  • Weld RE-5J
  • Weld RE-7
  • Weld RE-8
  • Weld RE-10J

Meet the Team

Raymond Chard headshot

Raymond Chard

CEI Treasurer
Interim Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs/Director of High School Programs
Headshot of Margaret Dempsey

Margaret Dempsey

Pathway Advisor