Denver Broncos Community | Access to Career Pathways
Access to Career Pathways Grant Spotlights
Aurora Public Schools Foundation
While 90% of top jobs in Colorado require education or training beyond high school, far fewer students are immediately pursuing postsecondary pathways after graduation. Gaps in access to career-connected learning opportunities can limit students' ability to explore options, build skills, and confidently transition into college, careers, or the workforce.
Aurora Public Schools (APS), in partnership with the Aurora Public Schools Foundation, addresses this need through its College and Career Centers (CCC), which provide students with dedicated support to navigate postsecondary pathways. Building on this foundation, APS is expanding work-based learning opportunities across middle and high schools, connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences and helping students explore careers, develop skills, and earn credentials that prepare them for life after graduation. Within APS, students who participate in work-based learning are significantly more likely to be on track for graduation – 86% compared to 74% of their peers districtwide.
To support this expansion, the Denver Broncos Foundation is underwriting a full-time Secondary Pathway Specialist to support three Aurora Public Schools sites, increasing access to career-connected learning experiences for students. This effort will help ensure more young people graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue meaningful postsecondary opportunities and long-term career success.
Construction Education Foundation
Colorado's construction industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, creating thousands of new jobs, yet many young people — particularly those in under-resourced communities — lack access to the training and credentials needed to pursue these opportunities. Expanding access to career-connected learning is critical to strengthening the state's workforce while ensuring students are prepared for high-demand, high-wage careers.
The Construction Education Foundation (CEF) addresses this gap by delivering hands-on construction education in Title I schools across the Denver metro area. Through partnerships with local high schools, CEF provides students with industry-recognized credentials, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to career pathways. By introducing students to skilled trades and emerging technologies, the program helps build confidence, purpose, and the practical skills needed for success beyond graduation.
To deepen impact at Abraham Lincoln High School (Denver Public Schools), the Denver Broncos Foundation is supporting the expansion of career-connected learning opportunities, including a bilingual Student Pathways Coordinator. This investment will expand access to industry-recognized certifications, strengthen individualized career guidance, and ensure students have the tools, experiences, and industry connections needed to pursue meaningful careers in Colorado's construction sector.
Mile High Youth Corps
Many young adults in Colorado enter the workforce without a high school diploma or equivalent credential, limiting access to stable, high-wage career pathways. Without a GED, youth face significant barriers to employment, particularly in skilled trades where certifications and technical expertise are essential for long-term success.
Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) addresses this gap through its YouthBuild Construction program, which provides young adults ages 18–24 with a pathway to both education and employment. By combining GED instruction with hands-on construction training, industry-recognized certifications, and leadership development, the program equips participants with the skills and experiences needed to transition into the workforce. Central to this model is dedicated academic support that helps students build mastery across core subjects while developing the confidence and resilience needed to complete their education.
To sustain and strengthen this work, the Denver Broncos Foundation is supporting the retention of a High School Equivalency Education Instructor and expanding access to postsecondary readiness opportunities. This investment ensures that participants receive consistent, high-quality academic support while gaining the tools and experiences needed to successfully pursue careers, continue their education, and build long-term economic stability.
Access to Career Pathways Grants
Congratulations to Denver Broncos Foundation Grant Recipients!