Since 2014, Denver Public Schools (DPS) has expanded their Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework providing STEM education in elementary and middle schools and career-focused courses in high schools across Denver.
Simultaneously, DPS invested in industry-aligned Work-based Learning (WBL) experiences to provide opportunities for students to learn ABOUT, THROUGH, and AT WORK. Over the years, DPS has expanded their offerings and can boast that they have the largest known K-12 WBL program in the country.
The DPS Career and College Success Career Development Team partners with industry professionals and higher education institutions to help students explore their career identity, visualize what’s possible, chart a plan for their futures, provide hands-on experience and expand their professional networks through a full-suite of WBL experiences.
This culture of learning gives students an idea of what employers will expect of them, and what it takes to be successful in the post-secondary world. Students not only expand their professional networks, but can even earn money while learning through paid Launch Internships and Apprenticeships.