CASPER, WY — Natrona County School District 1 announced that high‑school students earned 444 industry‑recognized credentials in the 2025‑26 school year, a clear sign that the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are delivering real‑world skills to local families.
Program scope and enrollment
The district now offers 27 programs of study across its four high schools—Kelly Walsh, Natrona County, Roosevelt and Midwest—covering 12 career clusters aligned with Wyoming’s state‑adopted model. Thirty‑five instructors teach 221 course sections, reaching 2,073 students in the fall and 1,933 in the spring. Board member Thea True‑Wells noted these figures reflect only in‑district classroom enrollment and do not include Casper College’s off‑campus vocational courses.
Credential achievements
Natrona County High School led the district with 202 credentials, followed by Kelly Walsh with 196, Roosevelt with 35, and Midwest with 11. Executive Director of School Improvement Charlotte Gilbar called the milestone “a huge deal for our four high schools,” emphasizing that the certifications prove students have mastered skills valued by Wyoming industry.
Funding and multiple certifications
Pathways Innovation Center Assistant Principal Christine Usry explained that, although state reporting counts only one certification per pupil, district funding allows students to pursue multiple credentials in fields such as culinary arts and welding.
Strategic framework
Under the “CTE: Future by Design” framework, the district is focusing on four initiatives: signature career events, industry partnerships, a mobile exploration lab, and work‑based learning. Upcoming events include Manufacturing Day (Oct. 21, partnered with Casper College), Explore 307 Day (Nov. 11), Women in Trades (Feb. 24), 9th Grade Trades Day (Apr. 6) and Oftedal Heavy Metal Day (May 5).
Community partnerships
The district continues its collaboration with the Wyoming Young Contractors Coalition, which launched this spring and will host three additional events: Site Management Day (Dec. 16), an entrepreneur competition (Mar. 10) and an industry meet‑and‑greet (May 12).
Mobile lab and future expansion
To bring career awareness earlier, the district is converting a former STEM trailer into a CTE Exploration Mobile Lab. The lab will deliver 16 hands‑on lessons across eight vocational areas—agriculture, automotive, construction, cybersecurity, early childhood education, health science, manufacturing, and sewing/textiles—to middle‑school students (grades 6‑8) beginning November 2026, with plans to reach elementary schools by fall 2027.
Student organizations
Beyond classroom instruction, students participate in DECA, FFA, SkillsUSA and Wyoming’s first HOSA‑Future Health Professionals chapter, gaining leadership experience and industry connections that extend beyond school walls.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
