Garfield Re-2 Expands Opportunities for Students with New Career-Connected Learning Pathways

From Exercise Science to Outdoor Recreation Leadership, Garfield Re-2 is continuing to expand Career-Connected Learning opportunities that help students explore careers before they graduate.

The Colorado Department of Education recently approved two new Career-Connected Learning pathways for the district: Exercise Science at Rifle High School and Outdoor Recreation Leadership at Coal Ridge High School.

The new pathways are part of Garfield Re-2's broader effort to expand learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction with college, industry credentials and careers. Over the past two years, the district has introduced new courses in health sciences, engineering, business, technology and outdoor recreation while strengthening partnerships with Colorado Mountain College, Garfield BOCES and local industries.

Over the past two years, Garfield Re-2 has expanded Career-Connected Learning by introducing new opportunities in health sciences, engineering, business, technology and outdoor recreation.

At Coal Ridge High School, students can explore courses such as Exploration of Outdoor Recreation, Beginner and Advanced Rock Climbing, Fly Fishing Skills and River Safety, and Introduction to River Guiding.

At Rifle High School, new offerings include Introduction to Health Science, IB Exercise Science, Principles of Engineering and Technology, Coding, Business and Marketing Essentials, and Entrepreneurship.

Through partnerships with Colorado Mountain College and Garfield BOCES, students also have access to concurrent enrollment and specialized courses in education, construction, river and canyon orientation, pilot ground school and cybersecurity.

These new opportunities build on Garfield Re-2's long-standing programs in agriculture, welding and automotive technology, creating more ways for students to explore careers, earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials, and graduate with valuable experience.

"Our goal is to help students discover what is possible," said Jacob Pingel, Director of Secondary Curriculum for Garfield Re-2. "Every pathway gives students opportunities to explore careers, develop real skills and connect with professionals before they graduate. Those experiences help students make informed decisions about college, technical training and the workforce."

Pingel said the work has also energized the educators leading these programs.

"When teachers have the opportunity to build something new, develop partnerships and shape experiences that connect students with the real world, it reignites why many of them became educators in the first place," Pingel said. "Career pathways have created opportunities for our teachers to innovate, and that helps us recruit talented educators while giving great teachers new reasons to build their careers here."

Exercise Science

The Exercise Science pathway builds on Rifle High School's growing health sciences offerings and prepares students for careers in health, wellness and human performance.

Students can explore the pathway initially with the Introduction to Health Science course before progressing into Anatomy and Physiology, IB Exercise Science and advanced coursework. As the pathway continues to develop, students will have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications in areas such as personal training, sports nutrition and corrective exercise. Those credentials can help students begin working in the field while continuing their education or exploring careers in physical therapy, sports medicine and other healthcare professions.

"Students want to know that what they are learning matters," said Rifle High School science teacher Chris Bomba, who helped develop the pathway. "When they can connect what they're doing in the classroom to a future career, school becomes more meaningful. This pathway gives students the opportunity to graduate with real skills, industry certifications and a head start on whatever comes next."

Bomba said the pathway also reflects a broader shift in education.

"We have to keep evolving," he said. "Students have different interests and different goals than they did years ago. The more opportunities we can give them to explore those interests while they're still in high school, the more engaged they'll be in their learning."

Outdoor Recreation Leadership

The Outdoor Recreation Leadership pathway builds on one of western Colorado's greatest assets by connecting students with careers in the region's outdoor economy.

Students explore rock climbing, fly fishing, river safety and wilderness leadership while developing skills that can lead to careers in guiding, recreation management, conservation, tourism and entrepreneurship. As the pathway grows, students will have opportunities to earn industry credentials, participate in work-based learning experiences and continue their education through Colorado Mountain College's Outdoor Recreation Leadership program.

"We live in a place where the outdoors are part of our identity and our economy," said Coal Ridge High School Principal Mike Mikalakis. "This pathway helps students see that the activities they enjoy can also become careers. It gives them an opportunity to build skills, earn credentials and explore ways to stay and thrive in western Colorado if that's the path they choose."

Mikalakis said the pathway creates opportunities for students whose interests may not always be reflected in traditional electives while continuing to provide the same strong academic foundation students have always received.

The two pathways are currently in a two-year conditional approval phase with the Colorado Department of Education. During that time, Garfield Re-2 will continue developing advisory councils, expanding work-based learning opportunities and strengthening partnerships with local businesses, colleges and community organizations.

Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation Leadership are the latest additions to Garfield Re-2's growing Career-Connected Learning opportunities. The district is also developing future pathways in Business and Entrepreneurship and Engineering and Manufacturing, continuing its work to connect classroom learning with college, careers and the workforce.