BLACKFOOT — It’s the year 2060, and you’re 50 years old, still paying off your college loans and wondering if you could’ve made more practical choices in high school to avoid this seemingly never-ending debt. There’s good news for your 50-year-old self that you’re about to learn now — there are other options.

Blackfoot High School is preparing to offer career technical education programs that give students real-world skills for college and careers.

“Students will have career exploration opportunities,” said Blackfoot High School Principal Roger Thomas. “Students will learn relevant skills through real-life experiences in these courses.”

For example, they’ll naturally learn about math while using tape measures and other tools in the carpentry program.

The programs cover a variety of courses in areas like health, technology, automotive, cabinet making, agriculture, floral design, certified nursing, livestock management, food and natural resources, as well as trades and industry skills such as welding, carpentry and heavy equipment training. Business and marketing skills, as well as consumer science and health professions, will also be available.

Online access and industry-standard tools will prepare high school students for certifications and jobs while boosting high school graduation and college enrollment rates.

This multi-phase project plans to have six classrooms and is located at Blackfoot High School. Some programs offer certifications, while others offer dual enrollments with pathways for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

What this means for high school students is that you could complete a huge chunk of your college studies at the financial expense of your high school. Give yourself and your parents a break and take advantage of this generous offer. All programs offer quality prerequisite knowledge for skill- and career-building experiences.

To qualify for career and technical education, you’ll need to be a high school student. Ninth graders are welcome. This is an open enrollment program for any high school-aged student. You don’t need to attend Blackfoot High School to participate.

There’ll be a lot of growth within the CTE program over the next couple of years as Blackfoot High School plans to eventually occupy the current Stoddard Elementary School, offering additional programs in the medical field, broadcasting, interior design, child care and photography. The elementary school will be renovated using some of a recent $3.3 million grant that was awarded to Blackfoot School District with the intent to fund the CTE program.

Blackfoot High School is still building the program and waiting for the arrival of more equipment. The school plans to hold an open house for high school students and their families in early 2026.

Those interested in the CTE program are encouraged to contact Blackfoot High School at 208-785-8810 or by visiting blackfoothigh.org. The 2025-26 BHS Course Catalog can be accessed now by visiting the school’s website.