CDE Field Trips - 1/7/25: Regional PWR Training

Colorado’s Individual Career and Academic Plan helps students discover their talents, interests, and aspirations. This multi-year, student-centered process empowers learners to explore career paths, build essential skills, and design their pathways to postsecondary and workforce readiness. 

ICAP is both a process and a portfolio that guides students to discover their strengths and interests while preparing for future opportunities. 

“Students and families work with school counselors and teachers to map out their futures,” said Michelle Romero, director of the Office of Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness. “They explore options like college courses, certifications, and work-based learning opportunities, setting the foundation for meaningful career conversations.”

CDE holds regional PWR trainings to provide guidance for educators statewide. At a recent session held at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Romero emphasized the importance of these regional efforts. 

“We’re here to meet with about 150 educators, principals, superintendents, and school counselors to discuss updates to ICAP and how it can better serve students,” she said.

By hosting sessions across the state, PWR leaders ensure that educators in smaller, rural schools have access to the same high-quality resources as their urban counterparts with larger systems. 

“This is our second year on the road,” Romero said. “It’s been a wonderful journey, allowing us to connect with diverse communities and to understand their unique strengths and needs.”

The regional trainings play a crucial role in equipping educators to facilitate student conversations effectively. From career fairs to individual sessions, the goal is to provide consistent, high-quality advising for all students. 

By engaging in career exploration, learners build an understanding of the labor market, develop essential skills, and identify pathways that align with their passions and goals. 

“This training is transformative for students,” Romero said. “It allows educators and counselors to expose them to opportunities they may not have considered, giving every student a chance to imagine a future that feels right for them.”

This school year’s remaining regional PWR trainings will be in Denver on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and Colorado Springs on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Learn more on the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness webpage.