2022-23 Career Development Team Annual Report

Career and College Success

CAREER DEVELOPMENT TEAM

ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23

District Commitment to Career & College Success Denver Public Schools is deeply committed to providing equitable programming that will set our students up for a successful and fulfilling future. To achieve this vision, the DPS Career and College Success department will continue to offer tangible support, opportunities, and resources throughout the student experience by focusing on: 1. Individual Exploration & Discovery 2. Career Exploration, and

Educational equity is our collective responsibility. We prepare students for career, college and life.

- DPS Strategic Roadmap

3. Academic & Career Planning and Management We support students in pursuing their passions and providing meaningful opportunities that help them flourish as young people and set them up for a productive future. We are committed to offering a full suite of work-based learning experiences that helps them explore their career identity, see the relevance of what they’re learning, build a professional network of support, and map out their postsecondary plan. Furthermore, exposing students to workforce experiences throughout their K-12 experience can be a deterrent to youth violence and create a sense of value and possibility. In the upcoming years, watch for an expansion of student internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students throughout the district.

The CCS Career Development Team (CDT) recommits to serving priority youth and engaging students, families, school staff and our partners. We will build comprehensive kindergarten to workforce (K-20) pathways that integrate opportunities for students to achieve career and college competencies.

2

Work-Based Learning: An Overview Since 2014, Denver Public Schools has been committed to expanding career-focused coursework and work-based learning programming to students in kindergarten through high school, resulting in nearly

50,000

STUDENT ENROLLMENTS.

12,000

STUDENTS ENROLLED 2022-2023

10

INDUSTRIES

23

CTE PATHWAYS

7

WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS

3

Career Development Model Work-based learning is a chance for students to discover things they can’t learn in a classroom. The opportunities in our model provide inside information about careers they are interested in through tours, job shadows, mentoring, internships and apprenticeships.

4

Spotlight

Post-Secondary Success Stories

The ultimate marker of work-based learning success is a clear path to a sustainable wage in a meaningful career. The students highlighted here participated in one or more workbased learning programs and ultimately landed a job, training opportunity or both after high school. Some are still working toward their diploma, and are simultaneously preparing for a career. Read on to learn more about our work-based learning success stories!

Cornelius (Corny) Bankston Corny Bankston was hired as the Career Development Team (CDT) apprentice to lead the Chat Career Conversation program. Corny had a successful first year as a senior in high school while he developed skills in program development and working collaboratively with internal and external partners. He graduated in May 2023 from North High School; he will continue as a member of the CDT, completing his second year as an apprentice while starting his college journey at Metro State University. Here is a little of what Corny shared about their apprenticeship so far.

5

Interview with

Corny Bankston According to Corny, the most appealing part of their apprenticeship is the experience of working in an office environment. They also liked the fact that the work they do can help set them up for a career in the future unlike jobs they held at King Soopers and Starbuck. Corny’s favorite part of his apprenticeship position is the debrief after Chat sessions. As the facilitator, Corny summarizes the session and upon review, highlights the key parts. Instead of students just listening to the facilitator talk and present, the debrief allows them time to say, "Oh, I learned this and this is why that is important to me."

Corny’s time with Chat has also really helped them improve their confidence and communication skills. They are not typically a fan of public speaking, but this experience has given them the opportunity to get better at speaking and shake out the nerves. Corny has also learned effective communication is key to everything. Corny has also learned professional networking is imperative to success. No matter where you are or where you’re going, getting to know people in many different places will be really helpful in the long run.

When asked about what is next after their apprenticeship, Corny said, “I thought I just wanted to do something that kept me in my bubble, but after the apprenticeship, I know I can do something more with my career and focus on helping people in whatever way that I can."

6

Spotlight

Post-Secondary Success Stories

Sherlyn Cervantes Sherlyn Cervantes is a student at Legacy Options, a pathways (alternative setting) school in far northeast Denver. She is coenrolled in the Vista MedConnect Program and opted to intern at St Joseph’s Hospital. She excelled as an Emergency Room (ER) intern and was promoted to a Lead ER Ambassador. In that position, she supervised four of her peers and was recognized with the Excellence Award in Precepting and Supervising by the hospital administration. Because of her outstanding performance as an intern, she was awarded a scholarship from St. Joseph's Hospital that will pay for a Spanish medical interpreter course. With this certification, Sherlyn will be eligible for a position that pays $72/ hour. Once Sheryln turns 18 years in July 2024, she will meet the eligibility to participate in the training program.

Join us in congratulating Sherlyn, she is well on her way to postsecondary success!

7

Spotlight

Post-Secondary Success Stories

Gabriella Ayala Gabriella (Gabby) Ayala graduated from the Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design (DSISD) in 2019. As a high school graduate, Gabby was on her way to a career in Information Technology (IT) through a CareerWise Colorado apprenticeship with Pinnacol Assurance. In her junior year, Gabby began her apprenticeship in the IT Department after developing an interest in computer science through college level technology courses and robotics courses offered at her high school. Gabby was attracted to the apprenticeship program after her school’s Career Navigator provided an information session where she learned there were several strong outcomes that could result from an apprenticeship: a full-time job or transitioning to college or both. Because she wasn’t sure college was right for her, she felt this opportunity was a perfect fit as a self-motivated learner.

During her first year, she learned the basics of insurance while beginning to collaborate with the IT team on programming projects. In her second year, she worked with the IT team doing programming and coding work.

One thing Gabby appreciated about the team was their willingness to support her learning by problem-solving technology challenges together. Recognizing Gabby’s talent, her supervisor recommended her for a full-time position even though she had only completed two of the three years of her apprenticeship. Gabby has been an employee with Pinnacol since 2019 and is proud to be a part of their team. She recognizes that Pinnacol stands by its values, not only investing in young people through the apprenticeship program, but also by giving back to the community through a volunteer program and scholarships. She is looking forward to meeting the next “superstar” apprentice who will join their team someday!

8

Programs • Participation/Partner Data • Student Story • Testimonials

9

DATA Spark Elementary Students Enrolled: 4,420 Unique Students: 3,135 Number of Events: 52 Number of Partners: 29

Spark Middle School Students Enrolled: 3,854 Unique Students: 2,267 Number of Events: 84 Number of Partners: 68 * Includes both partner organizations and individual volunteers.

SPARK

Over the past three years, Spark has served 83.7% students of color, 33.7% multi-language learners, and 66.7% students on free or reduced lunch.

Spark Middle School participants have an average GPA of 2.76 and attendance at 89.7% compared to the district peers at 2.58 and 88%.

10

Spark Elementary School Program Student Story Bradley International School 3rd grade students were able to participate in a wide variety of Spark Elementary programming this school year. The 75 students in 3 classes chose their Holland Career Personality (RIASEC) codes during introductory lessons with our Elementary Specialist. They participated in hands-on RIASEC stations featuring activities like origami and planting seeds.

In addition, they had visits from industry professional guest speakers to share about the work they do and answer student questions. To compliment their classroom learning, they took several Spark field trips to broaden their understanding about the world of work.

Kylie and Everly shared what they enjoyed about Spark Elementary programming this year. Everly chose the RIASEC letters S (social), E (enterprising), and A (artistic), meaning she has strengths in working with others, trying out new ideas, and being creative.

From summer school 2023:

You guys just made my decision for what I want to do when I grow up easier. - 2nd grader talking to Palace Construction at Joe Shoemaker summer connections

11

Spark Elementary School Program Everly said, “I’m thinking of running my own business, and I want to be an artist- I learned all that from doing RIASEC and meeting with Ms. Laura and having guest speakers.” Everly gained a lot from the connections she made with industry professionals, both at her school and on the field trips. “I just love how everyone is passionate about what they do,” she said, “and I just had a lot of fun.”

Kylie had a hard time choosing which Spark Elementary experience she enjoyed the most this year. “I remember the RIASEC, we chose if we wanted to be one [code] or the other, and we did all these fun games,I really loved that part, that was really fun,” she said. However, “I loved all of them, especially the guest speakers, because it really showed different things,” she said.

One of the speakers came to talk about her experience as a refugee from Vietnam and how it informs the advocacy work that she does now. Kylie said, “I really liked the Vietnam [speaker], it really showed what happened back then and how it is related to right now.”

Kylie had a fun time participating in Spark Elementary programming this year!

12

Spark Middle School Program Student Story Middle school students from Martin Luther King Jr. Early College and West Middle School had an amazing opportunity in April to visit the Colorado Rapids Facility to learn more about careers in the industry and steps they can take towards those careers. Thanks to the Colorado Rapids team, students were able to tour the facility and learn about different departments within a professional sports organization, and had the opportunity to scrimmage with not only the coaches but also some Rapids players! Students were thrilled to receive an autographed shirt from the team at the end of their visit.

Students from both schools really enjoyed the experience and were surprised to learn how many careers are available within professional sports. One student from West commented, “My favorite memory of the event was playing an actual soccer game with the Rapids coach and two of the Rapids players! I was very excited and couldn't believe I was actually playing with professional players!”

Though this student is only in 7th grade, he is already thinking about his future and how he can reach his goals. He said, “I am looking forward to possibly volunteering at the park so I can get to know all aspects of the profession.” This event showed students many ways they can engage in careers in professional sports and inspired them to start working on their dreams now.

13

My favorite part was hearing about architecture and learning about future careers I could do.

Today I learned you can take on multiple careers, you don't have to stick with one.

Today I learned that a musical career is not as easy as it sounds and that if I choose to make it my career, I must be ready to devote a lot of my life to it.

My favorite part was when our speaker played I thought they played beautifully and thought it was really nice to hear, and know what to strive for.

My favorite part of this Spark event was when I got the chance to see the animals’ body parts such as brains, eyes, kidney stones, etc.

Today I learned that you don't have to like it from the beginning to fall in love with it.

[My favorite part was] getting to do interactive things like the app that used machine learning and identified objects.

14

DATA Xplore Students Enrolled: 2,595 Unique Students: 1,999 Number of Events: 147 Number of Partners: 94* * Includes both partner organizations and individual volunteers.

Xplore has served 73% students of color, 29.3% multi-lingual learners, and 51.3% of students on free or reduced lunch. This is a testment to our true commitment to engaging our diverse student population.

XPLORE

15

Xplore High School Program Student Story In the 2022-2023 academic year, the Denver Public School Xplore program partnered with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) to support students interested in commercial real estate, engineering, and building maintenance. BOMA was able to offer 4 Xplore events and serve a total of 95 high school students.

During these events, students heard from professionals about their journey to their current careers, engaged in an activity designing their perfect building, learned about the engineering systems in the building, and toured the beautiful skyscrapers in downtown Denver.

16

Listening to all their experiences as well as being motivated to keep going and not being discouraged when something doesn’t go right and to first find myself.

I loved talking to all the different

POWERFUL and SUCCESSFUL women

who have inspired me to continue on and BE MY OWN BOSS.

I got to see more opportunities instead of just one route I can go on.

I really liked that the event allowed women to be able to come together and get an understanding of STEM and STEAM careers and what happens if you choose that path.

Talking about the different career paths.

Actively being on site, seeing the workers do their job and getting to talk to a few of them

17

DATA Coach Students Enrolled: 239 Unique Students: 210 Completion Rate: 85% Number of Partners: 108* * Includes both partner organizations and individual volunteers.

Between 2015 and 2022, Coach participants graduated high school and matriculated to college at higher rates than the district average.

Coach Graduation Rate: 84% (District 82% - includes students who graduated on-time and in five years) Coach College Matriculation Rate: 61% (District 58%)

COACH

18

Coach Mentoring Program Student Story Stephanie Klein joined the Coach program at Summit Academy eager and ready to make an impact, as with most mentors. From the very first session with her two students, Stephanie was determined to make sure they knew she cared. Before every session she would ask her mentees, Angel and Alejandra, to show her their grades and make sure they were passing all classes. If they weren’t, she initiated contact with the students outside of sessions, after getting the parent’s permission, to help in any way she could.

After reconnecting with Angel and Alejandra this year, we discovered that they are both still meeting with Stephanie regularly and that BOTH students are set to graduate almost a year early if they stay on track!

19

I would recommend this program to other students because it’s a way of getting a better understanding of what they can do after high school and learn more about what they are passionate about.

I would recommend this program because it was really helpful to figure out

Having a coach introduced me to someone with experience in the working field, which broadened my perspectives.

what college I want to go to.

My coach has made me realize that I am not confined to one option. That I truly have wonderful opportunities outside of a preplanned path. That I don’t need to know everything right now and that nothing is for certain.

I would recommend the Coach Program to other students who are just as driven to taking advantage of these opportunities.

This is a great chance to explore something new.

20

DATA Launch Students Enrolled: 471 Unique Students: 432 Completion Rate: 92% Number of Partners: 144

Between 2016 and 2022, Launch participants graduated high school and matriculated to college at higher rates that the district average.

Launch Graduation Rate: 84% (District 82% - includes students who graduated on-time and in five years) Launch College Matriculation Rate: 72% (District 58%)

LAUNCH

21

Launch Internship Program

5/5/23, 10:56 AM

IMG_0852.jpg

Student Story In the realm of dreams and aspirations, embarking on the path of becoming an electrician may have seemed like an uphill climb for Nate Chavez. It had been a while since he made that pivotal decision, a decision that would eventually shape his future, but found himself standing on the threshold of uncertainty. He possessed no prior experience with electrical work and had only a vague understanding of what this journey might entail. Little did Nate know that his initiation into the world of electrical expertise would be nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the Denver Public Schools Launch Internship Program and Electrical Department.

During his internship, Nate had the opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of electrical craftsmanship.

He learned the art of rewiring receptacles, masterfully tackled frog eyes, and even crafted his very own threeway switch. These hands-on experiences were not just learning opportunities but a testament to the practical skills and knowledge imparted to him.

The second phase of the internship, under the guidance of Andrew Higdon, unveiled an entire universe of career prospects within the electrical

domain. Networking sessions became a treasure trove of insights as Nate engaged with representatives from Meridian, held discussions with an Xcel Energy foreman, and explored the captivating world of Centric Elevator Corporation.

In conclusion, this journey into the world of electrical excellence has been nothing short of transformative for Nate. It has not only equipped him with the skills and knowledge required but has also ignited a passion and purpose. As he steps into the future, we hope he carries forward the invaluable lessons and memories forged during this internship. Together, we have illuminated a path to success, and are excited to see where this electrifying journey will lead Nate. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox?projector=1

As of the 2023-24 school year Nate Chavez is slated to graduate this fall and is completing a preapprenticeship program at Emily Griffith and has accepted an apprenticeship position with Meridian to begin shortly after he graduates.

22

I would recommend it because you will be introduced to a very welcoming environment, meet excellent people who can provide valuable insight, and have the opportunity to learn about things that interest you at your own pace.

The program allows you to see what the workforce is and enables you to experience and explore a job field without having to put years of effort to figure out if it's truly where you fit it or actually connect with.

It helped me learn more about myself and my skills.

My internship taught me one of the most valuable lessons ever, that it doesn't matter where you come from if you have enough passion and patience anyone can be an artist.

It is a great way to narrow down what you want to do later in life. And it looks great on your resume. If you have the ability to do it, there are very few reasons that you should not.

LAUNCH STUDENTS SAID...

23

DATA Apprenticeship Students Enrolled: 41

Success Rates Continuation Rate: 15% of 41 apprentices Remain in High School and Will Continue the Program Completion Rate: 70% of 41 Apprentices Graduated in Spring 2023 Number of Partners: 27* * Apprenticeship partnerships developed by CareerWise Colorado.

APPRENTICESHIP

24

Youth Apprenticeship Program Student Story You never know what someone might say that could change your future.

This was true for Luis Flores-Garcia, a current 11th grader at Thomas Jefferson (TJ) High School. Luis recalls speaking with his 8th grade counselor at Hamilton Middle School several years ago about youth apprenticeships. Luis was intrigued and tucked the information away for future reference. Last school year, Luis sought out the guidance of Emily Bobrick, the Career Navigator at TJ, to find out how to become an apprentice. Emily explained the CareerWise apprenticeship program and Luis decided to apply.

Luis landed a position at Pinnacol Assurance as a member of the Multistate Underwriting Analysis Team. He works part-time while continuing his education at TJ. Luis is excited about his new job and reports, “I wanted to work at Pinnacol because I want a full time job after the program and an apprenticeship can open doors for me in the future. Also, underwriting is a good paying job that aligns with my career goals.”

As a first year apprentice, Luis shared he has had tremendous support, not only from his family but school staff and the employees at Pinnacol.

And, he feels he has grown to a level he never thought possible. He used to struggle to advocate for himself. Now, he has the confidence to ask questions and share his ideas with his team.

Luis believes apprenticeships offer a valuable opportunity to students, giving them an edge over college students without any work experience. Although being an apprentice can present time management challenges and requires hard work, Luis is confident it will all pay off in the end.

25

Innovations

CHAT PROGRAM The Chat Program was relaunched this year under the direction of a student apprentice; it is the first and only, student-led program in the Career and College Success Department. The Chat Apprentice was hired in the spring of 2022 and was tasked with evaluating the program design and recreating aspects of the program from a student perspective.

This past school year, the Chat Program highlighted BIPOC professionals through virtual conversations at three high schools. These virtual career conversations focus on the career journey of BIPOC professionals, rather than the career itself. The program reached over 200 students in its first year and intends to expand to 3 additional schools in the coming year.

Orion Brown, 2023 Chat Speaker

26

Spark Course During the 2022-23 school year, the Spark team successfully piloted a middle school Spark Career Exploration Course at Place Bridge Academy serving 114 of their sixth through eighth graders. Students in the course had the opportunity to explore their unique strengths and interests and develop an understanding of how those interests apply to the world-of-work. The course incorporated classroom lessons and activities, as well as a variety of unique classroom experiences including guest speakers, a resume workshop, a high-school student panel, an off-site visit to a university, and a celebration of learning. In the 2023-24 school year, the Spark team plans to expand the course to a total of three middle schools.

Entrepreneurial Academy Because entrepreneurship is a viable way for young people to earn money and develop valuable transferable skills, Denver Public Schools entered into a partnership with Metropolitan Diversity and Economic Equity Partners (Metro DEEP) to create the first Entrepreneurial Academy. The Academy prepared students to develop their business ideas, conduct market research, and create a business pitch that was later presented to families and staff. Students not only developed the practical skills needed to start a business, but they also developed the confidence to stand behind their ideas and convince others to invest in their ventures. Seventeen students from six high schools completed the Academy successfully.

Sustainability Initiatives and Long-Range Plan The DPS Career Development Team (CDT) has been working with the DPS Sustainability Department to align with the Superintendent's Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP was developed in response to students advocating for the DPS Board of Education to create a district-wide sustainability plan that includes educating students about careers in the green economy.

The CDT, as a recipient of a Climate Action Sustainability and Resilience (CASR) grant, had already begun the work to provide students with career exploration, mentoring, industry certifications, and internships related to the field of sustainability. They took this work one giant step further when the CAP was adopted; the CDT is committed to ensuring 20% of all students participating in work-based learning will explore/engage in activities that promote careers in sustainability in the next five years.

INNOVATIONS

27

CCS Student Profile Reports 2022-23 marked the District’s second year of a successful implementation of the CCS Student Profile Report; thirteen middle and high schools opted into the project and nearly 8,300 students benefited. The Profiles (available in English and translated into their preferred home language) tell the story behind students' career and college data through a personalized report that helps them reflect and take critical steps on their journey through life after high school.

These personalized reports, and accompanying lessons, are engaging, easy to understand and support career identity development, exploration, and encourage active involvement/academic planning. Participation in our workbased learning programs is one important data point that is highlighted for students, along with their enrollment in STEM, Concurrent Enrollment, AP/IB, and/or CTE courses.

Most schools leverage their Advisory Period to discuss the Profiles and some choose to train their teachers in hosting Meaningful Career Conversations (MCCs) to support reflection and identification of action items.

WIth our commitment to continuous improvement, in 202223 we held a series of focus groups with staff and students to collect their feedback on both content and process.

Their important input led to a much stronger version with critical collateral that we’re excited to share with the DPS community in the year ahead! Stay tuned on this success story; this innovative project will expand to include ALL traditional secondary schools in the next few years!

INNOVATIONS

28

Scale Up - Implementing DPS’s FIRST Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program The Career Development Team (CDT), in partnership with CareerWise Colorado, was granted $50,000 to implement the first ever Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) with DPS as the employer.

Expanding RYA is a priority for DPS because of its significant potential to encourage more seamless, effective and equitable transitions between high school and family-sustaining careers.

With the support and encouragement of our Superintendent, we engaged with members of his Cabinet to identify key occupations for a growing number of apprentices in the next three years. Four apprentices were hired to begin their journey in August of 2023 (two more are expected in January of 2024); they will train toward mastery of relevant and transferable business competencies through on-the-job learning and aligned training/coursework. The CDT is already taking important steps to expand into other DPS departments with unmet hiring needs and diversification goals.

Learner Voice Grant - Student Focus Groups (Attainment Network) The Attainment Network’s Learner Voice Grant provided a unique opportunity to engage with students in feedback sessions focused on work-based learning programs. Funding was used to compensate participants for their time and candid input which led to improved processes and content for the Launch Internship and Coach Mentorship Programs, as well as the CCS Student Profile Reports.

A particular highlight was the student leadership that emerged around the Launch Program. Students first participated in facilitated discussions, then created a presentation outlining areas for program improvement using the Traits of a Young Professional to present a coherent proposal to Career Development Team leadership. As a result, the Launch management team reflected on the feedback and presented a “program improvement plan” to the student group; they are currently working on implementing the students’ suggestions.

INNOVATIONS

29

Women at Work Day Women at Work Day is a career exploration event featuring women working in male-dominated, nontraditional careers. The event was started by the Special Education Department and was adopted by the CDT this spring. The 2023 Women at Work Day kicked off with a keynote by Gabriella Ayala (featured in the Post-Secondary Success section) a DPS graduate who participated in an apprenticeship at Pinnacol Assurance and was hired as a part of Pinnacol’s Information Technology (IT) team. The keynote was followed by a panel that included one of two African-American women who owns a car dealership, a geophysicist, an Electric Vehicle enthusiast, and a former police officer.

Students then had the opportunity to participate in workshops featuring careers represented by speakers on the panel.

INNOVATIONS

30

Student Feedback

Career Discovery

Social Capital

• 76% of students participating in DPS work-based learning programs were introduced to new careers.

• 70% of students in the Launch and Coach Mentoring met up to four professionals who could help connect them to future opportunities.

• 69% of Spark and Xplore participants participants interested in pursuing the careers featured during career exploration events.

High Five Academic Impact • 90% of high school students enrolled in career development programs reported they were more motivated to excel in school following program participation.

• 92% of students would recommend participation in DPS work-based learning programs to a friend or classmate.

• 12% of students in the Launch Program reported their internship required higher math skills and 33% reported using higher reading/writing skills than their high school classes.

31

Partner Feedback Partners sharing our commitment to career development.

87%

93%

Offered an opportunity to engage with students in a meaningful way

Proud to work for company that participates in these types of programs

85%

98%

Believe WBL is a viable way to prepare future employees and give back to community

Hope their company will continue to participate in DPS work-based learning programs 32

Partner Feedback This was a unique opportunity to support a 9th grader who identified an interest in technology and health.

I enjoyed giving back.

Enjoyed interacting with high school student as a target audience, it was a new challenge. I enjoy supporting their career endeavors.

I have seen firsthand the kind of community that is developed when mentors and mentees share a similar identity. They create safe spaces to have honest conversations as well as seeing representation in professional industries.

Many of the students seemed genuinely interested in the work and asked very thoughtful questions.

It's always fun to interact with the younger generation and see how they look at things.

[The students] came up with things I didn't think of.

We love DPS CareerConnect and have met some of the most talented young people through this program!

33

Partner Feedback It is always valuable to see campus in person. It can open up students' eyes, get them asking questions they might not think of before and get them excited about the opportunities.

The students had a lot of fun.

I enjoyed learning from my students and seeing them grow over the duration of the internship.

I appreciated the opportunity to connect with a high school student and provide guidance and support to help them explore their career path. It was nice to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

I enjoyed meeting the student I was assigned to and learning about her life and ambitions. She was a breath of fresh air and reminder of why it’s so important to know what resources exist to help a student on their journey.

Getting to know young people, and their perspective on life. I learn a lot from hearing what they think about the world and their futures. He keeps me connected to my own purpose of supporting young people.

Being able to learn how to be a leader as well as learning from my intern. They provided alternate points of view and a fresh set of eyes that helped me identify areas of improvement that I would never have considered on my own.

Love DPS and the Xplore Program.

It has really allowed [our company] to lean in and get connected to the community.

I think for me, what I love the most is having the opportunity to mentor and pour out my knowledge to an adult and possibly inspire them to come work for us! In a sense it is giving back to the community.

34

Partner Spotlight

Colorado State University - Spur Campus When the Colorado State University (CSU) Spur Campus was still in the planning stages, the Spur Education Team made it clear they wanted to invest in the community. From the time the campus opened, Spur partnered with DPS to offer career exploration and internship opportunities. Students have been exposed to cutting edge renewable energy, water quality, agriculture and veterinary work being done by CSU staff and researchers. Through hands-on activities in Spur’s Hydro, Vida and Terra Buildings, students learn about exciting careers they can consider pursuing in the future.

Last school year, Spur hosted 160 Spark Elementary and Middle School students, 50 Xplore students and 11 Launch interns. Interns were placed at the Temple Grandin Equine Center, CSU Spur’s Education Department, IT Department and the College of Vet Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Students were also placed in the Denver Dumb Friends League clinic located on the Spur Campus.

We are so grateful for CSU Spur’s support and engagement with our students!

Students identifying macro-organisms whose presence indicate clean water at CSU Spur’s Hydro Building.

Students attend a CSU Spur career exploration event featuring a veterinarian performing a surgical procedure.

35

Partner Spotlight

Denver International Airport (DEN)Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation

The Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) is the first-of-its-kind in the aviation industry. Some of their overarching goals include serving as an accelerator for economic and workforce development and preparing current and future employees for a career pathway in the aviation industry. They hit the ground running in fall 2022, hosting their first intern.

Throughout the year, DEN invited both Spark and Xplore students to tour the airport and learn about careers related to aviation. DEN also continued to host interns in the spring and summer and had three students complete their apprenticeships in May 2023.

We appreciate our ongoing partnership with DEN! DEN’s first high school intern, Arey’el Wilson, a student at the Denver Center for 21st Century Learning.

36

Donations Without contributions from our partners, the breadth of programming offered to students by the Career Development Team would not be possible. Several companies supported various WBL programs through their generous contributions or grants. In addition, close to 35 partners contributed a total of $85,000 in donations to offset the cost of Launch intern fellowship awards.

MULTI-YEAR AND SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTORS: • Attainment Network- Learner Voice Grant • Beacon Foundation • Colorado Office of the Future of Work - Scale Up Grant • Denver Climate Action Sustainability and Resilience

Department - Good Green Jobs Grant

• Microsoft • United Airlines • Zoma Please also refer to Appendix for a complete list of participating partners and donors.

37

Appendix

38

Career Development Model Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native

Asian

Black African American

Hispanic LatinX

% of Overall CDT Enrollment District Average

Multiple

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

White Not Hispanic

0.4%

3.9%

20.1%

49.7%

3.9%

0.8%

16.8%

0.6%

3%

13.7%

51.7%

5.1%

0.6%

25.3%

Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL)

Multilingual Language Learners

% of Overall CDT Enrollment

61%

% of Overall CDT Enrollment

47%

District Average

62.5%

District Average

36%

Special Education

Gifted & Talented

Gender

Male

Female

% of Overall CDT Enrollment

9%

% of Overall CDT Enrollment

12%

% of Overall CDT Enrollment

46.5%

53.5%

District Average

12.6%

District Average

7.78%

District Average

50%

50% 39

Partner List Partners who participated in the Apprenticeship Program were onboarded and supported by CareerWise Colorado (CWC).

Partners marked with an * generously donated to the Launch Internship Program.

360 Engineering Xplore

Antonio Apodaca Coach

Avrio Analytics Launch

Brandi Shigley Constituent Chat

365 Health Launch

Arapahoe Community College Xplore

Barbers of Color Event Spark (Middle School)

Brandon Roberts Coach

be well Launch

BraTek Engineering & Manufacturing Launch

Abraham Lincoln Athletic Trainer Launch African American Trade Association (AATA) Launch Agriburbia, Inc. Launch Alexander Turnacliff Coach Alexandra Oves Coach Alexis Porter Coach

Art Garage Spark (Elementary) Art Garage (Montbello) Launch

Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology Spark (Middle School)

Art Garage (Park Hill) Launch

Benjamin McCoy Coach

Brian McKinney Coach

Arts Street Launch

Berenise Esparza Coach

Ashish Sedai Coach

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Great West + Pacific Launch

Bright Side Wonders Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School)

Asian Girls Ignite Launch

Alison Leonard Coach

AT&T: Girls in STEM Spark (Middle School), Xplore

All Win Tax and Bookkeeping **Apprenticeship

Atkins Global Launch

Allison Johnson Coach

Auon'tai Anderson Coach

Alycia Campbell Coach

Auraria Higher Education Center Xplore

Ambrosia Glass Art Spark (Middle School) American Institute of Architects Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School)

Auto Shop (Arapahoe Community College) Spark (Middle School) Aveda Institute of Denver Spark (Middle School)

Brian Kooienga Coach

Center for African American Health Spark (Middle School) Charlie Merrow Coach Cherry Creek State Park Spark (Elementary) Children's Hospital Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School) Chris Matlock Coach Christina Castro Coach

Brittany Cook Coach

Christopher Burke Coach

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs Launch, Xplore

Brotherhood Haven Spark (Middle School)

Christopher Garcia Coach

Bintou Diallo Coach

Bruce Randolph HS Xplore

Cisco Systems Coach

Black American West Museum Launch

Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Xplore

City & County of Denver Crime Lab Spark (Middle School)

Black Travel Box Chat Blue Mesa Electric Launch Boris Costa-Guerra Coach Bow Wow Chews Launch, Xplore

CareerWise Colorado **Apprenticeship CBRE Spark (Middle School) CEC Early College Spark (Middle School), Xplore CEC Early College Preschool Launch

City & County of Denver Denver Animal Protection Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School) City and County of Denver Denver Fire Department Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School)

40

City of Denver- DEDO, Denver Economic Development and Opportunity Xplore City of Denver- DEDO, Denver Economic Development and Opportunity **Apprenticeship City of Denver- Parks and Recreation **Apprenticeship City of Denver- Technology Services **Apprenticeship City Year Inc Launch Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Spark (Elementary) CO Department of Higher Education (CDHE) Launch Colorado Black Health Collaborative Launch Colorado Democratic Party Launch Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE)Credential Pathways Launch Colorado Department of Labor and Employment **Apprenticeship Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Spark (Middle School) Colorado Office of Information Technology Xplore

Colorado Photographic Arts Center Xplore Colorado Public Radio Spark (Middle School) Colorado Rapids Spark (Middle School) Colorado Rockies Spark (Middle School) Colorado State University (CSU) Spur Campus College of Vet Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) *Launch Colorado State University (CSU) Spur CampusEducation Department *Launch, Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School), Xplore Colorado State University (CSU) Spur Campus-IT Department *Launch Colorado State University, Construction Xplore Colorado State University, School of Business Xplore Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce Launch Colorado Workforce Development Council *Launch Community College of Denver Launch Community College of Denver, Manufacturing Xplore

Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Spark (Middle School) Consumption Literacy Project Launch Convercent Inc **Apprenticeship Cooper Tezak Coach Corafaye's Cafe Launch Craig Hospital **Apprenticeship Craine Architecture Launch CREW Denver Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School) Dale Ary Coach Dane Washington Sr. Coach Daniel Grange Coach Darlecia Curtin Coach Dasia Runnels Spark (Middle School) Deandre Smith (Chef Cool Dre) Spark (Middle School) Deeneen Jelks Coach Delia Greth Coach Denmon Realty Spark (Middle School)

APPENDIX - WORK-BASED LEARNED PARTNERS

Denver 9-1-1 Spark (Middle School) Denver Art Museum Spark (Middle School), Xplore Denver Botanic Gardens Xplore Denver Center for the Performing Arts Spark (Middle School) Denver Community Media Launch Denver Dumb Friends League Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School) Denver Dumb Friends League- CSU Spur Launch Denver East High School Constitutional Law *Launch Denver Health and Hospitals Xplore Denver Health Pediatrics at DPS Launch Denver Health- La Casa Quigg Newton Health Center Launch Denver Indian Health & Family Services Launch Denver Inner City Parish Launch Denver International Airport (DEN)- Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation **Apprenticeship, *Launch, Spark (Middle School), Xplore

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce **Apprenticeship Denver Metro Construction Sector Partnership Coach Denver Museum of Nature & Science Xplore Denver Office of Clerk and Recorder Launch Denver Online HS Spark (Middle School) Denver Open Media Launch Denver Parks and Recreation **Apprenticeship Denver Police Department Spark (Middle School) Denver Police Museum Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School) Denver Public Library-Green Valley Ranch Launch Denver Public LibraryHampden Launch Denver Public Schools Xplore Denver Public Schools Department of Tech Services (DoTS) Launch Denver Public Schools Facilities Management (PLUMBING) Launch

41

Denver Public Schools (DPS) - Communications Launch Denver Public Schools (DPS) Academics Launch Denver Public Schools (DPS) Black Student Voice Podcast *Launch Denver Public Schools (DPS) CCS Career Development Team (CDT) **Apprenticeship, Launch, Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School) Denver Public Schools (DPS) Educational Technology Library Services Launch Denver Public Schools (DPS) Electrical Maintenance Department Launch Denver Public Schools (DPS) Gifted and Talented Launch Denver Public Schools Activities Department Launch Denver Public Schools CCS Career and Technical Education (CTE) Team Launch Denver Public Schools Facilities Management (HVAC) Launch Denver Public Schools Safety & Security Launch, Xplore Denver Scholarship Foundation Launch, Xplore

Denver Snkrs Spark (Middle School) Denver Water Spark (Middle School) Denver Zoo - Animal Ambassador Team *Launch DHE Computer Systems Launch Diversity in Finance Collaboration *Launch DJEATC Xplore Downtown Denver Expeditionary School Apprenticeship Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College HS Spark (Middle School), Xplore

Emily Griffith Technical College (EGTC- TRADES) Xplore

Google Xplore

Jack's Solar Garden Xplore

GRID Alternatives Spark (Elementary), Xplore

Jacob Southard Coach

Hair Works Xplore

James Hansley Coach

HDR *Launch, Xplore

Jamie Hays Coach

Heather Robinette Coach

Janus Henderson **Apprenticeship

Hector Viramontes Coach

Jeffrey Roberts Coach

Hensel Phelps Xplore

Jennifer Edwards Coach

High Line Canal Conservancy Spark (Elementary)

Jennifer Sickman Coach

Holder-FCI Xplore

Jeremy Jojola Spark (Middle School)

Holy Hill Honey Constituent Spark (Elementary)

Jerome Blackwell Coach

HOYA Foundation Xplore

Jim DeSantis Coach

Hyatt Regency **Apprenticeship

Jim Lucchesi Coach

I Love Me Gems Spark (Elementary)

Joel Hodge Coach

Gates Corporation Spark (Elementary)

Ian Tonelli Coach

Joelle Hernandez Coach

Generation Teach Xplore

Iconi Athletic Wear Xplore

John F. Kennedy High School Spark (Middle School), Xplore

Gensler Spark (Middle School)

Ink Lounge Spark (Middle School)

Jordan Kane Coach

George Washington High School Spark (Middle School)

International Rescue Committee Denver Spark (Elementary)

Jordan Perlmutter Coach

Geotech Environmental Equipment, Inc. Spark (Middle School)

Intertech Plastics **Apprenticeship

Encore Electric Inc Xplore Energy Outreach Colorado Spark (Middle School) ERIC ALVAREZ Coach Eric Sawyer Coach Ericka Porter Coach Ever Rodriguez Coach Everyday Latina Spark (Middle School) Fernando Urias Coach

Dress For Success Denver Chat, Launch

Gabriella Franchois Coach

Duane Gandy Coach

Gabrielle Brown Coach

Dynatrace Spark (Middle School)

Gary Community Investment Company **Apprenticeship

Elina Medina Coach Elizabeth Allan-Cole Coach Elizabeth Parmelee Coach Elizabeth Prutch Coach Emily Griffith Technical College (EGTC) Xplore Emily Griffith Technical College (EGTC Main Campus) Xplore

Gina Yacone Coach

APPENDIX - WORK-BASED LEARNED PARTNERS

Isaac Tolbert Coach

Joy Fill Xplore June Marcel Coach

42

Junior Achievement Xplore

Lisa O’Connor Coach

Metro DEEP Chat, Launch

Juntos 2 College Chat

Lisken Hays Coach

JVA Consulting Engineers Coach

Location3 Xplore

Karmachanics Launch, Xplore

Lumakar Challa Coach

Metro State University Advanced Manufacturing Sciences Institute Launch, Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School)

Kathryn Clare Valentine Coach

Make A Chess Move Chat, Launch

Keller Williams Realty- Pride of Denver Xplore

Maria Reyes Coach

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU) Xplore

Mark Billings Coach

Michael Blonsky Coach

Mark Hoopes Coach

Michael Carter Spark (Middle School)

Mary Serafin Coach

Michael Reed Coach

Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy

Microsoft Coach, Xplore

**Apprenticeship

Mike Padilla Coach

Kellie Thompson Coach Kevin Coston Coach Kevin Mills Coach Kevin Vidal Coach KGNU Radio Launch, Xplore Kristin Clark Coach Land Title Guarantee Company **Apprenticeship LANEIDRA WHITEHEAD Coach Larry Hopkins Coach Lauren Howe Coach Leana May Moser Coach Legacy Options High School Spark (Middle School) Lincoln Technical Institute Xplore

Matthew Albrecht Coach McGlone Academy (BUSINESS PARTNER) **Apprenticeship MedTronic Spark (Elementary) Mekka Brincks Coach Melanie Roberts Constituent Chat Melissa Davis Coach Melissa Rivas Coach MERCER Human Resource Consulting **Apprenticeship

Metro State University SpaceTech Scholars Spark (Middle School)

Mile High United Way **Apprenticeship Molly Brown Summer House Xplore Montbello Career and Technical High School Spark (Middle School), Xplore MSU Center for Visual Arts (CVA) Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School), Xplore Nabeehah Brown Coach Namaste Solar **Apprenticeship National Organization of Minority Architects Spark (Middle School)

APPENDIX - WORK-BASED LEARNED PARTNERS

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School) Nelson Mullins Spark (Middle School) NIST Spark (Elementary) Norris Design Spark (Middle School) Northeast Early College Spark (Middle School) Northfield High School Spark (Middle School), Xplore Northfield High School, INCubatoredu Xplore NSBE - National Society of Black Engineers Spark (Middle School) Oliver Tillman Coach Olivia Almaguer Coach Olivia Barraza Kee Coach On Point Beauty Bar **Apprenticeship Palmer Elementary School **Apprenticeship Pamela Benson Coach Pamela Munoz Viesca Coach Paul Lago Coach PCs for People Launch, Xplore Pfizer Coach

Pickens Technical College Xplore Pinnacol Assurance **Apprenticeship, Xplore Pivot Energy Coach Precious Palmer Coach Presbyterian Saint Luke's Hospital Launch, Xplore Princess Gardens Worm Farm Xplore Pulte Mortgage LLC Xplore Pure Hospitality **Apprenticeship Rebecca Coalson Coach Red Rocks Community College Xplore Regis University- College of Computer & Information Sciences (CCIS) Xplore Remington Ruyle Spark (Elementary) Robert Losinski Coach Roberto Vercellino Coach Rocky Mountain College Of Art and Design Xplore Roddrick Marshall Coach Roxann Lopez Coach

43

Sarah Ann Anderson-Burnett Chat

Stephanie Klein Coach

United Airlines, Airfield Xplore

Victor Macedo Villanueva Coach

Sarah Brethouwer Coach

Stephanie Romero Coach

Savannah Gallegos Coach

SuitUp NYC, SHI Xplore

United Launch Alliance LLC (MA) Xplore

Western States Fire Protection Xplore

Scott Belding Coach

Tajahi Cooke Chat, Spark (Middle School)

United States- US Mint Xplore

Westside Health Clinic Xplore

Seth Chesnut Coach

Tattered Cover Bookstore Spark (Elementary)

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center Xplore

Women's Transportation Seminar Spark (Elementary)

Shanla Arellano Coach

Temple Grandin Equine Center Launch, Xplore

University of Colorado Boulder, Law School Xplore

Xcel Energy Chat

SheTech CTA Event Xplore Shrewsberry *Launch, Xplore Simply Denver Soap Co Spark (Elementary) Slalom Consulting Coach, Xplore Society of Women Engineers Spark (Middle School) Sonya Clark Coach South High School Spark (Middle School), Xplore South Platte Renew Xplore Southwest Airlines Spark (Middle School) ST. MORITZ MASSAGE ACADEMY Xplore Stadium Medical Launch, Xplore Stantec Spark (Middle School) Stephanie Augustine Chat, Spark (Middle School)

The Colorado Symphony Spark (Middle School) The Slate Denver **Apprenticeship Think 360 Arts Spark (Elementary) Thomas Jefferson High School Spark (Middle School), Xplore Tia Eberline Coach Todd Deutsch Coach Tom Fuchs Coach Touch of Life Technologies (Toltech) Launch, Xplore

University of Colorado Denver (UCD) Xplore University of Colorado Denver, College of Arts and Media Xplore University of Colorado | Anschutz Medical Campus | School of Dental Medicine Xplore University of Colorado CU Denver Business School Xplore University of Colorado Hospital- UCD Xplore University Of Denver Spark (Middle School)

Tryba Architects Xplore

United States Dept. of the Interior - US Geological Survey (USGS) Spark (Elementary), Spark (Middle School)

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Spark (Middle School)

Valorie Ziegler Coach

United Airlines Coach, Launch, Spark (Middle School) Xplore

Vanity Rivera Coach

Tracy Williams Coach

APPENDIX - WORK-BASED LEARNED PARTNERS

Xcel Energy- ADMS Application Support Xcel Energy- Chiller Plant Xplore Xcel Energy- General Counsel *Launch Xcel Energy- Home Smart *Launch Xcel Energy- Operations Xcel Energy- Siting and Land Rights Xcel Energy- Social Investments *Launch Yeh and Associates, Inc. Xplore Yvonne Lee Coach

44