Mission Statement

Luna Community College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are dedicated to providing accessible, innovative, and integrated learning experiences. We empower students with the essential skills, hands-on training, and industry-recognized credentials in fields such as Automotive Technology, Collision Repair, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Barbering, and Welding. In alignment with the college’s mission, we prepare students to compete at the forefront of their chosen fields and to lead in their community.

Vision Statement

In alignment with Luna Community College’s vision, the CTE department aspires to be the premier destination for career and technical education in northern New Mexico. We will be a place where future leaders are prepared to create, collaborate, communicate, and think critically, transforming their passion for a trade into a lifetime of career opportunity and positive change. We will be a catalyst for local economic growth and a valued partner to our industry, setting the standard for innovation, skill mastery, and student achievement.

Departmental Goals

The following goals are designed to support the department’s mission and vision, upholding the college’s guiding principles and contributing to its strategic objectives.
1. Student Success & Career Readiness

This goal directly supports the college’s Strategic Goal #1 and #5, focusing on providing diverse, challenging programs and increasing student enrollment and completion.

• Increase Job Placement: Achieve a 75% job placement rate for graduates within six months of program completion by establishing and strengthening partnerships with local businesses, as outlined in Strategic Goal #6.
  
• Boost Certification Rates: Maintain a 75% or higher pass rate on all national and state certification exams for programs like Welding, Cosmetology, and Automotive Technology, directly contributing to Strategic Goal #1, Objective B.
  
• Enhance Retention: Implement a mentorship program that connects new students with upper-level peers to increase retention by 15% over the next two years, in line with Strategic Goal #5, Objective A.
  

2. Program Quality & Innovation

This goal supports Strategic Goal #1 and #2, ensuring that programs are challenging, relevant, and supported by modern technology.

• Curriculum Alignment: By Fall 2026, establish and conduct annual reviews for each program, as specified in Strategic Goal #6, to ensure all curricula and equipment meet current industry standards and employer needs.
  
• Equipment Modernization: Secure grant funding to acquire and install new, state-of-the-art technology and equipment within the next five years, aligning with Strategic Goal #2.
  

3. Community Engagement & Partnerships

This goal is a direct reflection of Strategic Goal #6 and #3, focusing on building strong external relationships and promoting institutional financial growth.

• Strengthen Industry Partnerships: Form at least five new formal partnerships with local businesses or entities each year, creating opportunities for student apprenticeships, internships, and scholarships, as well as contributing to new revenue streams (Strategic Goal #3). This will be achieved by using and creating stakeholder advisory boards (Strategic Goal #6, Objective B).
  
• Expand Outreach: Launch an increased outreach initiative to local high schools to increase enrollment in CTE programs by 10% annually, contributing to Strategic Goal #5.
  
• Create a CTE Podcast: Launch a CTE Podcast by December 2025 that will be shared on social media outlets with at least one podcast a month - can be hosted by students, faculty, or Director, with the goal of increasing enrollment and spreading awareness of career opportunities. (Strategic Goal #5).