Colorado School Teaches Special Ed Students Outdoor Job Skills

Cherry Creek School District program trains students to repair skis, snowboards, and bikes for future careers

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cherry Creek School District in Colorado is offering a unique work-based learning program at Smoky Hill High School that teaches special education students job skills related to the state's outdoor recreation industry. Students learn how to wax, repair, and maintain skis, snowboards, and bicycles, preparing them for potential careers in the outdoor gear and equipment sector after graduation.

Why it matters

The program provides valuable vocational training and real-world experience for special education students, helping them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional regulation skills that can lead to future employment. It also highlights how schools can tailor curriculum to local industries and leverage community partnerships to create meaningful pathways to careers.

The details

Led by teacher Brady Goode, the program has a partnership with Colorado company Purl Wax to provide discounted supplies. Students primarily work on repairing and refurbishing skis, snowboards, and bicycles belonging to their peers and school staff, charging a $20 fee. They learn techniques like edge sharpening, hot waxing, and filling in 'core shots'. Beyond the technical skills, the class also focuses on building critical thinking, decision-making, and emotional management abilities.

  • The program has been teaching ski and snowboard refurbishing for two school years during the winter.
  • The program is now adding bike repair for the fall and spring seasons.

The players

Brady Goode

A teacher at Smoky Hill High School who runs the work-based learning program teaching special education students outdoor industry job skills.

Damari Ceoper

A junior special education student at Smoky Hill High School participating in the program and learning how to wax and repair skis and snowboards.

Purl Wax

A Colorado company that provides discounted ski and snowboard waxing supplies to the Smoky Hill High School program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The kids are great. We love what we do. We have fun.”

— Brady Goode, Teacher (cbsnews.com)

“These students have the ability to critically think, to make decisions that could impact a good day or not a good day on the slopes.”

— Brady Goode, Teacher (cbsnews.com)

“It's pretty fun to do.”

— Damari Ceoper, Student (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The program plans to continue expanding its offerings, potentially adding more outdoor recreation skills like bike repair in the future to give students an even broader range of career-ready abilities.

The takeaway

By tailoring vocational training to local industry needs and providing hands-on experience, this Colorado school district is empowering special education students to develop in-demand skills and gain confidence in their ability to succeed in the workforce after graduation.