JOSHUA TREE - This spring, Copper Mountain College welcomed nearly 200 middle and high school students from Morongo Unified School District for a hands-on conference focused on Career Technical Education pathways.
Middle school students visited first, exploring CMC's culinary arts, nursing, criminal justice and building and construction trades programs. As they begin to think about future careers, these students were introduced to industries they can continue exploring through MUSD's high school CTE programs, which directly align with CMC's offerings.
The following week, students from Yucca Valley High School and Twentynine Palms High School returned to campus for a deeper dive. In addition to the core workshops, they participated in sessions focused on cybersecurity and early childhood education. All of the high school students are currently enrolled in CTE programs at their schools, giving them a direct look at how their current coursework can transition into advanced training and career opportunities through CMC.
In the criminal justice workshop, students heard directly from professionals in the field. One of the presenters was Deputy Aimee Coakley, a school resource officer with MUSD.
"We went through the process of the Explorer Program and what it offers students interested in law enforcement careers," said Coakley. "A lot of the kids were super excited and interested in what we had to share - especially about the Explorer program. I also let them know that many law enforcement careers don't require a college degree to get started, which opened a lot of eyes and made the path feel more accessible."
In the nursing workshop, students explored real-world healthcare practices, including how to take vital signs, perform blood draws, and understand basic patient care procedures.
"It was really cool to see the programs up close and talk to the instructors," said a senior in the Yucca Valley High School medical assisting program. "It made me feel more confident about going into nursing and maybe continuing at CMC after graduation."
MUSD's CTE program has grown steadily in recent years, expanding offerings and deepening partnerships with local industry and higher education.
"Creating a clear pathway from high school to college helps our students see what's possible for their futures by showing them how the skills they're building now can translate directly into real careers," said Amy Woods, MUSD's Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education. "These experiences build confidence and give students a clearer sense of purpose."
In the afternoon, high school students attended a career panel featuring professionals from across the region. Panelists shared their career journeys and offered insight into the training and personal experiences that shaped their paths.
These field trips reflect a growing partnership between MUSD and Copper Mountain College to align high school and college CTE programs, creating seamless transitions from the classroom to the workforce. MUSD extends its sincere thanks to Copper Mountain College for hosting these events and for their ongoing commitment to supporting student success.