The Boise School District took a giant leap forward today in its efforts to help students explore future careers.
It unveiled a cutting edge expansion of the Dennis Technical Education Center (DTEC).
Tonight we look at the difference it's expected to make.
Naomi Valla's excitement over this ribbon cutting is legit.
The cutting edge expansion is important enough to her that she put off her graduation.
"I found out I couldn't attend this school post graduate and I wanted to continue continue staying here so I postponed my graduation so I could attend DTEC this year."
Students in Boise, Kuna and Bishop Kelly can take electives during the day at d-tec in everything from automotive repair to zoology.
"I'm super interested in CNA and I can get certified without having to spend thousand of dollars at college," says Valla.
The Dennis Technical Education Center was built in 2000. Last year it got money in a bond to expand and was able to add a new wing less than a year later.
"It's an opportunity for students to come out and see what they might want to do as a career or hobby and explore a bit before graduating high school and going into the post secondary realm," explains DTEC's assistant principal, Chelsie Wilson.
DTEC has brand new equipment for its CNA, EMT and dental classes.
And it's added classes in HVAC, electrical and plumbing, all areas that are in high demand thanks to the booming housing industry.
It's enough to make students gush about their school.
"I'm super excited to see the school open and just have more and more students take advantage of the opportunities this school offers," says Valla.
