(COLORADO SPRINGS) — School District 49 and Falcon High School celebrated the opening of an updated on-campus auto shop with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Aug. 15.

The new facility will serve students from all D49 high schools who enroll in the automotive program, providing them with access to industry-standard equipment.

The ceremony marks the culmination of over a year of planning and work to enhance the learning space dedicated to the D-49 Automotive Career and Technical Education Program.

“This just opens so many doors and opportunities,” said Peter Smith, Falcon High School CTE Automotive Instructor. “It gives better training and just so many opportunities for kids to be successful post-high school.”

Students participating in the automotive program will have the opportunity to earn college credits, ASE certifications, and engage in work-based learning apprenticeships, preparing them for careers in a high-demand field.

“One of our cultural rocks at D49 is launching successful students,” said Seann O’Connor, Falcon High School Principal. “This shop provides us that opportunity for kids to chase pathways to success after they graduate.”

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