This spring, 31 remarkable young people gathered at the Yolia Art Gallery in Englewood to do something most adults never get the chance to do: present original, community-driven work to a room full of interested people.
The audience was there for one purpose, to hear their reflections from their yearlong Carrer Pathways program and celebrate with friends, family, and patrons.
Meet Project Perennial
This year's class of juniors and seniors, representing 11 different metro Denver schools, spent the past nine months channeling their energy, creativity, and curiosity into a single, unified campaign, Project Perennial. Their self-derived mission was to raise awareness around sustainability and environmental responsibility through art, media, and upcycled creation.
What that looked like in practice was nothing short of impressive. The evening featured original visual art, short films, podcasts, and a fully repurposed bicycle vendor cart that may have been the most eye-catching installations of the night. Every piece was a reflection of what these students believe: that the next generation doesn't have to wait for permission to make an impact.
More Than A Program
What makes Career Pathways special isn't just the skills students gain along the way. It's the transformation that happens when a young person realizes their voice matters.
That spirit was on full display in the opening remarks delivered by Salem, a Gold Crown Clubhouse member of three years and one of this year's Career Pathways participants. His words captured something that no program brochure ever could:
"I very much believe that I would be vastly different if not for the Career Pathways program. I doubt I would understand the intricacies of both industries and their workers to the level I am now able to. I wouldn't know as much about who I am, or what I believe in."
Salem reflected on everything the year had brought him: appearing on the news, designing a logo, speaking at an Edgewater City Council meeting, and co-creating a community-driven project from the ground up. But more than the milestones, he spoke to something deeper, the power of being given a chance.
"Thank you to all the people who looked at me and thought, 'he deserves a shot at this.' I wouldn't be standing here speaking to you if not for every single person along the way who gave me a chance."
Salem wasn't the only one who took the mic that night. Nearly half the class shared their own reflections, speaking candidly about what the year meant to them, the skills they gained, and the people who helped get them there. It was a reminder that this program doesn't just build resumes. It builds confidence, community, and a belief that young people have something worth saying.
It's hard to be in that room and not feel the weight of what this program does and why it matters.
What Comes Next
With the celebration behind them, this year's Career Pathways cohort is now heading into the next phase of the program: 120-hour paid summer internships with partners across the Denver metro. From health care and technology to the arts and public policy, these students will spend the summer putting their skills to work in real professional settings.
They've spent nine months growing. Now it's time to see what they do with the room they've been given.
Interested in hosting a Career Pathways intern in a future program year, or supporting the program as it grows? We'd love to connect. Get in touch with our team to learn more about how you can get involved.
Photo Credits: Rob Coca
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