written by Harper Skurky-Thomas at Thomas Jefferson High School
The city of Denver and Denver Public Schools collaborated to host “Think BIGGER: Building the Talent that Builds Denver,” an event themed around expanding opportunities for students to gain workforce experience. The event, which took place on April 20, 2026, focused on how collaboration between the city of Denver and Denver Public Schools (DPS) can create pathways for students to learn and succeed through firsthand career experience. It was located at the Denver Central Library. Speakers included DPS superintendent Alex Marrero, Colorado governor Jared Polis, Denver mayor Mike Johnston, and former secretary of education Miguel Cardona.
The heart of the event was the importance of preparing students for life after high school through lived experience. All high schools in Colorado are expected to adopt new graduation requirements by 2029. Students will be required to fulfill one of the “Big Three”: either earning 12 college credits, participating in a work-based learning program, or earning an industry credential. According to governor Jared Polis, about half of students already graduate from high school with one of the Big Three. Having students graduate with hands-on college or career experience would more effectively prepare them for life after high school than just spending time in a classroom. Alex Marrero also hopes that this program will help students balance a job and schoolwork. “If it's credit-bearing, then a student doesn't have to make a tough decision [between] school or work,” Marrero said. This would potentially remove some of the barriers that make it difficult for students to hold a job during the school year.
While every district in Colorado is expected to adopt these requirements, Marrero believes, “DPS is well positioned to lead in that charge.” This is in part due to DPS’ existing programming—they have an extensive work-based learning program and encourage many of their students to take courses that fulfill college credits while still in high school. “We have an incredible amount of offerings that we have already,” Marrero said. This includes programs like Advanced Placement classes, which can earn students college credit, or DPS’ network of business partnerships that can help students land a job or internship.
The event was also an opportunity for DPS to expand that network. Denver Public Schools was able to offer over 19,000 work-based learning experiences in the 2024-25 school year. The district is able to offer these opportunities in part through direct partnership with local businesses, including Colorado Public Radio and Children’s Hospital. Attendees were able to use the Think BIGGER event as a chance to meet new people and form new connections that could be used to help students gain workforce experience. Business owners and community leaders could connect with DPS or city employees to commit to supporting students in getting firsthand experience working in Denver.
The Think BIGGER speakers, especially Governor Polis, each emphasized how investing in Denver students early on will result in economic growth for the city and state. Cardona encouraged the city of Denver and Denver Public Schools to embrace collaboration, claiming that partnerships between school districts and local governments are “the future.” While Colorado has a highly educated workforce due to attracting educated workers from other places, those born and raised in Colorado do not reach higher education at the same rates — a discrepancy known as the Colorado Paradox. Johnston believes that encouraging students to see futures for themselves in work after high school or college degrees could help close that gap.
School districts are being forced to respond to a workforce that has quickly changing needs and wants. The nature of work is evolving quickly and the skills students need to be successful in the workplace are shifting. “I believe that we're preparing students for jobs, careers, and experiences that don't yet exist,” Marrero said. Denver Public Schools is attempting to address the volatile nature of life after graduation. Programs like the Think BIGGER initiative could not only help students get something to put on their college applications or resume, but also help them gain skills and experience they need to succeed.