Vice Chair of the Board of Regents, Jack L. Fortner | The University of New Mexico
With a new director at the helm alongside a dedicated long-time coordinator, the Center for Career and Technical Education (CCTE) at The University of New Mexico-Gallup is collaborating with area high schools to provide students with hands-on, career-focused education.
The Center for Career and Technical Education is a cooperative effort between UNM-Gallup and Gallup-McKinley County Schools, Rehoboth Christian School, Gallup Christian School, Zuni Public School District, Wingate High School, Middle College High School, and Hozho Academy to offer career and technical education courses to the community.
“We have different programs of study mostly focusing on high-demand, high-skill jobs,” said Karla Baldonado, who returned to UNM-Gallup as the new CCTE director in December 2023. “These are technical courses of study geared toward preparing students for a more real-world scenario once they hit their chosen job field.”
The CCTE programs of study include:
- Automotive technology
- Construction technology
- Cosmetology
- Criminal justice
- Culinary arts
- Design and digital media
- Fire science technology
- Health careers
- Multi-Vocational Service Occupations (MVSO)
- Students Achieving New Directions (SAND)
- Welding technology
“I’m very passionate about this program. I see its potential. When you get a new set of students at the beginning of the year, you literally see their growth throughout the year. … You can see them change. And we’re here to support them. We’re here to help them succeed,” said CCTE Program Coordinator Bobbi Campos.
Baldonado explained that the MVSO and SAND programs work with community businesses to provide students with on-the-job training. Students can gain experience working at places such as Point S American Tire, the Community Pantry, local elementary schools, and the UNM-Gallup Bookstore. Campos noted that students sometimes receive job offers from their work site after they finish the program.
Baldonado emphasized that students will also learn soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills through the CCTE program. They can gain a better connection to their community too. Class sizes average about 15 students, and participants can earn up to 18 credits in CCTE courses.
“And it’s minimal cost to them because the home high schools pay for fees and textbooks,” Baldonado said. “They’re getting bussed in, so transportation is provided and they spend half a day on a college campus learning college and employee skills. They are gaining the skills they need for the real world from faculty who are experts in their field.”
Campos added that interested students should speak with their school counselor first to join the program. From there, she works closely with counselors to ensure everything is in order for prospective participants.
“Faculty are super passionate about what they do as well in their given fields,” Baldonado added. “There’s a lot of support for the students in this program.”
Many CCTE students also participate in SkillsUSA, an opportunity to practice work-related skills competitively. In recent years, UNM-Gallup's SkillsUSA Chapter has seen success at state and national levels.
In an April 15 photo from last year’s SkillsUSA New Mexico State Leadership & Skills Conference in Albuquerque shows Judith Long participating as part of CCTE's Students Achieving New Directions initiative.
Campos remarked that one benefit of both CCTE and SkillsUSA is that it allows student creativity to flourish—whether cosmetology students creating unique hair designs or welding students sculpting art pieces.
Campos has been associated with UNM-Gallup for 26 years before becoming CCTE program coordinator after serving as admin assistant II and III roles previously.
“It’s all about helping the students succeed,” she stated.
Baldonado also has significant experience at UNM-Gallup; she managed its Center for Academic Learning for seven years before taking up her current role after spending one year working remotely.
“I really missed working with students,” she expressed sentimentally regarding her return.“That’s one thing that I feel like fills my every day — working with students supporting them along achieving college goals.”
For questions about The Center For Career And Technical Education contact:
Karla Baldonado: 505-863-7705 or kvbaldona@unm.edu.
Bobbi Campos: 505-863–7555 or bcampos@unm.edu.
To learn more about programs visit The Centre For Career And Technical Education website.
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