The Post Falls School District received a $1.4 million federal Perkins V grant that will fund a major expansion of career-technical education programs, adding pathways in healthcare, welding and fabrication, cybersecurity, and diesel technology to the district’s CTE offerings beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The grant addresses a growing demand from local employers for workers with hands-on technical skills and provides Kootenai County students with alternatives to the traditional four-year college track.
The superintendent said the expansion reflects a fundamental shift in how the district views postsecondary preparation. “Not every student needs or wants a four-year degree, and the economy certainly needs skilled tradespeople as much as it needs college graduates,” the superintendent said. “These programs give our students a direct path to high-paying careers that are in demand right here in Kootenai County.”
New CTE Programs and Equipment
The healthcare pathway will include Certified Nursing Assistant training, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and clinical rotations at Kootenai Health — providing students with industry-recognized credentials and direct employment opportunities upon graduation. The welding program will equip a dedicated shop with MIG, TIG, and stick welding stations meeting American Welding Society standards.
The cybersecurity program responds to one of the fastest-growing career fields nationally and will prepare students for industry certifications including CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Certified Network Associate. The diesel technology program partners with local trucking and heavy equipment companies to provide hands-on training on the engines and systems that power Kootenai County’s transportation and agricultural industries.
Employer Partnerships and Job Placement
Each CTE pathway includes partnerships with local employers who provide mentorship, job shadowing, internships, and guaranteed interview opportunities for program completers. The district’s CTE advisory board includes representatives from Kootenai Health, Kootenai Health, local construction firms, technology companies, and agricultural operations.
National data shows that CTE concentrators — students who complete a sequence of courses in a career pathway — have a 94% high school graduation rate compared to the national average of 86%, and those who enter the workforce directly earn average starting wages of $38,000-48,000 depending on the field.
What Comes Next
Student enrollment for the new CTE pathways opens in May for the 2026-27 school year. The district will host a CTE showcase event on May 8 where students and parents can tour facilities, meet instructors, and learn about career opportunities in each pathway. For more on Idaho education, visit Idaho News.