This year, our Career Pathways program gave 22 high school students from nine different metro Denver schools the opportunity to explore careers, gain real-world skills, and get paid for their work. Our internships don’t just look good on a résumé, they open doors, spark curiosity, and show teens that their potential has no limits.
The Career Pathways program is designed for high school Juniors, Seniors, and first-year college students. We’re proud to welcome all teens who commit to the program. Many of our students have been overlooked by other opportunities, but in Career Pathways, their commitment and drive matter most. They’re met exactly where they are, encouraged to take risks, and supported as they develop technical skills, professional confidence, and a growth mindset rooted in curiosity, effort, and resilience.
Real-World Internships, Real Impact
We are excited to share highlights from five of our paid internships. The paid internships are the final portion of the year-long curriculum.
Isaiah – Mortensen Construction
During his internship, Isaiah worked at job sites from Thornton to Cherry Creek, each with something new to discover. He checked fire sprinkler lines with Bluebeam, updated geothermal system photos on Procore, reviewed submittals, observed concrete pours, and joined safety walks with engineers from multiple disciplines. He even climbed a crane for an unforgettable view!
Danna – CRL Associates
Working in public affairs, Danna honed her research skills, organized and attended neighborhood meetings, and even attended the State of the City Address, gaining a front-row view of civic leadership in action.
Leo & Elijah – McKinstry Engineering
Leo, headed to the University of Colorado Denver to study accounting, worked alongside McKinstry’s lead accountant and is setting his sights on becoming a CPA with one of the “big four” firms. Elijah, a rising senior at Arrupe Jesuit High School, is already a leader in his school’s Robotics Club. With a successful internship and plans to join the Colorado School of Mines’ first-gen group, his future in engineering looks bright.
Natalia – 40 West Arts
Natalia led two weeks of summer camp programming, using her bilingual skills to connect with children while fostering creativity and confidence. She also helped install and take down gallery shows for First Friday exhibitions. Her dedication earned her an invitation to join the 40 West Arts Board as their first-ever youth ambassador.
Moon – SeriesFest
At SeriesFest, Moon supported the Mobile Cinema Lab, a program where students write, film, and edit short films in under 20 hours. His skills in Adobe Premiere Pro made him an essential part of the editing process, and his flexibility and work ethic impressed his hosts. Moon also had the opportunity to experience job shadow days at Futuristic Films, a postproduction studio in Rhino. From concept through finish, and everywhere in between, Moon worked right alongside the talented team of award-winning directors, producers, editors and colorists.
By the Numbers – This Year’s Outcomes
- 22 participants from 9 high schools, view our Pathways page to view all the headshots.
- 15 high school graduates: 10 headed to college, 5 starting careers
- College destinations include Georgetown University, University of Colorado Denver, University of Denver, Metropolitan State University, Red Rocks Community College, and Community College of Denver
- 4 students earned academic collegiate scholarships
- Notable employment: one full-time bilingual financial advisor at First Bank and one intern at Brick & Ivy Real Estate (pursuing a Colorado real estate license and attending Colorado Mesa University as a first-generation student)
Why It Matters
Career Pathways lives up to its name by helping young people explore careers, discover strengths, and imagine futures they didn’t think were possible. Through hands-on work, mentorship, and exposure to professional environments, our students gain skills, and the belief, to keep growing.
For information on the 2025-2026 program, or if you know someone interested in joining please contact our program director, Seth at [email protected].
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