Denver Public Schools, Local Businesses Celebrate Success of Youth Workforce Initiative

Contact: Jessie Smiley, Media Relations, Jessie_Smiley@dpsk12.org

CareerConnect Internship Program Teaches Hundreds of Students Technical and Life Skills

Denver – This summer, nearly 300 Denver Public Schools (DPS) high school students are working in cutting-edge industries throughout Denver. Students are performing real work with more than 100 companies – including Xcel Energy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and HomeAdvisor – as part of the DPS CareerConnect Internship Program. The initiative connects students with businesses for internships while also cultivating a highly-trained and diverse workforce for Denver companies. Interns have built websites, supported at animal shelters, visited construction sites, created mobile apps and more.

On Friday, July 20, DPS will recognize interns and company partners at the CareerConnect Internship Celebration. Students will present their internship projects during an interactive showcase from 3-4 p.m., followed by a brief awards ceremony to congratulate the nearly 300 interns and present the top students with the prestigious “Lift-Off Award.”

Speakers include:

• Tom Boasberg, Denver Public Schools Superintendent
• Lauren Trent, Denver Public Schools Executive Director DPS CareerConnect
• Tanya Jones, HomeAdvisor Director of Recruiting

One of the five goals in the district’s strategic plan — the Denver Plan 2020 — is to ensure students graduate college- and career-ready and prepared for their futures. DPS provides a variety of supports and services for students and their families, not just on their path to graduation, but to ensure their success in a globally-connected, knowledge-based economy.

Hear from the students about how the internships have changed their lives and career prospects. Learn why companies are using the CareerConnect Internship Program to meet their talent pipeline needs.

The internship program is part of DPS CareerConnect, an initiative aimed at building a highly-skilled workforce equipped to meet the changing demands of Colorado’s high-growth industries. More than 18,000 students participate in DPS CareerConnect.

Interview opportunities are available in English and Spanish.

WHAT:
CareerConnect Internship Celebration

WHO:
DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg, students, partnering companies, educators and community members

WHEN:
Friday, July 20
3-4 p.m. – Internship Project Showcase
4-5 p.m. – Awards Presentation

WHERE:
Broncos Stadium at Mile High
1701 Bryant St., United Level East Club Lounge
Parking in Lot J
Entrance in Gate 7

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