College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit Coordinators' Pop-the-Trunk Initiative is seeing great success around the Treasure Valley!
The Pop-the-Trunk Initiative, introduced in 2021-2022 academic year, involves teaching trunks that include lesson plans, program-specific materials and equipment, software, tools, and other information to help alternative high school students explore and learn about CTE. Materials were purchased using grant money, and the program is available at no cost to students or teachers.
Dual Credit Coordinator, Jessica Concie, stopped by Bennett Alternative School in Mountain Home the other week to see how the initiative is impacting students and saw lots of excitement coming out of the classroom. Not only were students enjoying and learning with the Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology and other CTE teaching trunks, but it has inspired other teachers to expand on their lessons.
"The history teacher is also going to be teaching his fifth-grade students about when motor vehicles were invented," Concie said. “He’s seen the positive impact that the Automotive teaching trunk has had on the Alternative High School students and believes it’s a great idea for them to share their experience and knowledge with their younger peers.”
For those with questions or in need of more information about CWI’s CTE Dual Credit programs, contact jessicaconcie@cwi.edu or osterhernandez@cwi.edu.
