Our second year in the program demonstrates the growing interest among educators to connect classroom learning with real-world careers. During our first year, only one teacher expressed interest in participating with Fortified Academy. This year, six teachers applied to learn more about our unique workforce development model and the transportation industry. After reviewing the applications, Fortified Academy selected two educators to participate in the 2026 externship experience, which officially began on June 15.

Among the educators joining us are Andrea Chen, a librarian with Boulder Valley School District, and Caley Gallison, a science teacher at a Boulder charter school. Together, they will spend time learning about the transportation and logistics industry while helping us develop creative ways to introduce students to career opportunities that many may not otherwise encounter.

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s collaboration is expanding career awareness beyond high school students and into elementary education. Through hands-on learning opportunities, Andrea Chen will work alongside our team to explore how our training trucks, Sandy and Casey, can be used as educational tools to introduce younger students to the trucking industry as a skilled trade and a vital part of America’s economy.

For many students, trucking is often viewed simply as driving a truck. In reality, the industry offers a wide range of career opportunities involving technology, safety, logistics, operations, and business management. By introducing these concepts early, we hope to help students understand that transportation is a highly skilled profession that plays a critical role in keeping communities supplied and connected.

Fortified Academy is uniquely positioned to support this effort. We are proud to have developed one of the first U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs in the transportation sector that combines technical workforce training with comprehensive work-readiness development. Our approach goes beyond teaching occupational skills by incorporating mental health support, resilience-building strategies, and professional development that prepare individuals for long-term career success.

We believe that preparing the future workforce requires more than technical training alone. Students and workers need support systems that help them build confidence, navigate challenges, and develop the personal and professional skills necessary to thrive in today’s workplace.

The CDLE Teacher Externship Program provides an outstanding opportunity to bring educators and industry together to strengthen career-connected learning. By partnering directly with teachers, Fortified Academy can help create classroom experiences that expose students of all ages to meaningful careers, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and workforce opportunities available throughout Colorado.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Kelly Reeser, M.Ed., CWDP, Business Development Supervisor and Teacher Externship Specialist, for her continued leadership and dedication to this much-needed program. Kelly’s efforts have been instrumental in creating meaningful connections between educators and industry partners throughout Colorado, helping teachers bring real-world workforce experiences back to their classrooms. Her commitment to workforce development and career-connected learning continues to make a lasting impact on students, educators, and employers alike.

We are honored to continue our partnership with CDLE and grateful for the enthusiasm shown by educators across Boulder County. The increase from one interested teacher in our first year to six applicants this year reflects a growing recognition of the importance of career-connected education and the value of exposing students to pathways beyond traditional four-year degree programs.

As Andrea and Caley begin their externships, we look forward to collaborating with them and sharing the innovative work taking place at Fortified Academy. Together, we are helping build a stronger workforce pipeline while inspiring the next generation to explore rewarding careers in transportation, logistics, and skilled trades.