CTE programs come to life for students at EmPwr Day

The image depicts a cluttered and busy office space, with various people standing around and interacting. In the foreground, there are piles of clothing and equipment, suggesting this may be a workspace for some kind of activity or event. The background shows shelves, desks, and other office furnishings, creating a sense of a professional environment.

Empower
Focus on Students

Apr 17 2026

Over 150 Five Star students interested in career and technical education (CTE) programs attended FutureForward's 13th annual EmPwr Day this semester. Each participant rotated through multiple 45-minute, hands-on lessons across our CTE programs, getting a true taste of the hands-on, real-world learning that defines FutureForward at Washington Square.

The image shows two people, a man and a woman, working together in what appears to be a clothing or textile manufacturing facility, with various garments and equipment visible in the background.

Current Washington Square students served as ambassadors and instructors, guiding participants through experiences ranging from practicing self-defense tactics in Law Enforcement and administering medication through animal IVs in Veterinary Science to soldering pipes and bending conduit in Construction.

A crowded classroom with students engaged in various activities, surrounded by posters, supplies, and a large window overlooking a scenic view.

Manny Herrada ('27), a Sports Medicine student from Northglenn High, shared why he volunteered to be an ambassador: "I liked getting to express my knowledge of what I know about the class to the younger kids, tell them everything they might want to know, answer their questions."

A group of people, some wearing uniforms, gathered around a table with various medical equipment and supplies, suggesting a training or educational setting.

For many visiting students, the impact went beyond the activities themselves.

"The best part of today has been being able to connect with all the people around me — the other students, the staff, and the student ambassadors," reflected Osiris Arguello, a 10th grader from Horizon.