02/13/2026
In 1975, the district’s commitment to hands-on learning took shape with the founding of the Bollman Occupational Center. Initially launched as a vocational education center with programs in auto mechanics, carpentry and electronics, Bollman quickly grew into a hub of opportunity. By 1980, the center, named for longtime school board leader Henry Bollman, offered 11 programs serving more than 750 students from across the district daily. Students explored welding, applied technology, computer-aided design (CAD) and industrial cooperative education in flexible, hands-on environments. Today, the district’s CTE landscape is thriving. With over 5,900 students enrolled annually, both the Bollman and Washington Square campuses are bustling.
Read the in-depth history of CTE in the Five Star District: www.adams12.org/newsroom/news-details/~board/district-news/post/career-and-technical-education-through-the-years