Kyler Peterson, a recent graduate of Lewis-Clark State College, found his passion in Career & Technical Education (CTE) and has never looked back.
Peterson discovered his love for CTE programs during his years at Lewiston High School (LHS). As an LHS student, Peterson not only enrolled in generalized CTE courses, but also dual credit courses offered through LC State’s CTE program. While in these classes he quickly learned the value of pairing CTE courses with Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). Peterson completed 35 credits through LC States dual credit program and was an active member of DECA, a CTSO formed to develop young business leaders.
Peterson recalls entering high school as a sophomore when the school only serviced three grades. That was the first year he joined DECA. Peterson was an active member in DECA for three years, qualifying for nationals every year of his membership. He started his leadership journey as a chapter officer for Lewiston's DECA chapter.
He said that growing up in the valley it is always assumed that LC State is the college for you. But like some people in the trades industry, he never felt college was a necessity to succeed. However, the more he interacted with LC State and its approach to education, the more his mind changed.
In the fall of 2022, he became a full-time LC State student under a professor familiar to him, J.R. Kok. Kok had previously been one of his instructors while enrolled in dual credit courses. Peterson attended LC State for two years and graduated with an associate of applied science in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVCR) in the spring of 2024.
He said it was LC State’s multiple instructional modalities that made the biggest impact on him, as he learned from within the classroom, the laboratory, and through the SkillsUSA CTSO.
State Farm Arena during SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Having experienced DECA, it was only natural that Peterson would dive right into competing and leading in SkillsUSA. Representing both LC State and the LC Valley, Peterson placed first in Idaho and then 14th in the nation.
Peterson also made the most of his LC State education by becoming an HVAC club officer, interning with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, and being a CTE ambassador. Peterson was also known to attend technical committee advisory meetings where decisions were being made for the program.
Peterson says getting involved is a great way to enhance your LC State education experience.
“It's super easy to come in, go to class and go home and not think about it,” said Peterson. “But, when you take those very easy extra steps, it can completely change your college experience and will, I know, impact the future of your life.”
“Kyler has been one of the most influential and dedicated students I have had.” Kok said. “He has the drive to do anything he wants! He is self-motivated. I simply provided him with additional technical knowledge. LC State and the SkillsUSA experience gave him a structure conducive to expand and reinforce the traits he already had.”
