Aurora Public Schools

Vista PEAK Preparatory senior Kimberly Ford knows exactly what she wants to do for a career when she graduates in May. Until recently, though, she did not know where or how to start. Thanks to the opportunity to earn college credit at Pickens Technical College, Ford is now in the process of taking her first step toward a career as an orthodontist.

"I heard about Pickens through my school counselor and she encouraged me to enroll in their dental assisting program," said Ford. "I've really enjoyed the hands-on learning and being able to use this as a stepping stone toward a future career."

Pickens student Samuel Zornes, 18, is grateful for the opportunity to earn his Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Multimedia Graphic Design.

Kimberly Ford (right)

Samuel Zornes

"I've always been a huge fan of art, but I was never any good at drawing or painting," said Zornes. "But then I discovered this whole world of graphic design and since being enrolled in this program, I've really taken an interest in brand identities and logo design."

Established in 1971, Pickens stands as one of only three technical colleges in Colorado, offering 28 certificate programs across six pathways to students and adults like Ford and Zornes. The school's career and technical programs prepare students for a wide range of high-skill, high-demand careers. Many Pickens courses offer hands-on, work-based learning through job shadowing, apprenticeships and internships with real professionals. Pickens offers hybrid pilot and face-to-face cohort learning to fulfill high industry demands and needs. In some cases, students even get paid while they learn.