“We want students to have choices so they can be active in the community,” said Stiteler.
Mountain Institute Career and Technical Education District (MICTED) in Prescott teaches students from seven high schools in western Yavapai County. All of the courses, textbooks and supplies are free and transportation is provided.
CTE courses are taught at the institute and the high schools, including Prescott, Chino Valley, Prescott Valley, Seligman, Ash Fork, Mayer and Bagdad. Students can learn what it takes to become a diesel technician, veterinary assistant, early childhood education professional, medical technician, firefighter or computer programmer, for example.
Mountain Institute officials say automotive, welding and medical training are the most popular courses and there is a waiting list for welding and aviation.
Bill Stiteler, who has been superintendent of Mountain Institute since 2018, says students who complete the program are either ready to enter their chosen career or on track to go to college.
“We work with the community to see the local and statewide needs of industry,” he said, noting the institute also keeps up with industry trends to project skills that will be needed in the future.
Mountain Institute classes are on-site at one of three Yavapai College campuses. Most of the courses count for dual enrollment, so students can receive both high school and college credit simultaneously.
“Eighty percent [of the students] are either employed or going off to college or university. Some transfer from one program to another,” said Stiteler. “It’s good that they find that out here [if they have an interest in the field] rather than finding out after they’ve spent a large amount for college tuition.”
In recent years, the number of CTE programs has grown from 11 to 26. Mountain Institute recently partnered with the Prescott National Forest. Now, 10 people who completed the program are working as wildland firefighters. In addition, a collaboration with Yavapai Superior Court has resulted in a paralegal program in response to a statewide shortage.
Currently, the institute is considering offering courses in cosmetology and drone operation and safety. “We want students to have choices so they can be active in the community,” said Stiteler.
More than 2,300 students are enrolled in Mountain Institute courses this fall. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
For more information, call 928-771-0791.
Photo by Stan Bindell: Mountain Institute Career and Technical Education District Superintendent Bill Stitler oversees programs for seven area high schools.
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