Colorado Real Estate Journal - May 4, 2016
HDR, an international engineering and architecture company, was among Denver companies that opened their doors to high school students through the Denver Public Schools CareerConnect program May 5. Approximately 20 engineering students from East High School attended the CareerX Industry Exploration event, participating in hands-on activities, meeting engineers and learning firsthand what it’s like to work in engineering or architecture. CareerX Industry Exploration events like the one at HDR provide a first point of real world exposure to DPS students interested in STEM fields such as engineering, technology, advanced manufacturing, biomedicine and finance. During the 2015-2016 school year, more than 1,200 students participated in CareerX events at organizations including HDR, Denver Health, Intertech Plastics, RK Mechanical, and the city and county of Denver Office of Information Technology. More than 100 companies in Denver are investing in their talent pipeline by participating in experiential learning activities through Denver Public Schools CareerConnect. The district wide program links more than 6,000 DPS high school students with relevant, career-focused courses, workplace experiences and mentoring. “We’re seeing unprecedented support from companies like HDR,” said DPS CareerConnect Director Joe Saboe. “They understand businesses need to be involved in workforce development and need to reach students early in their academic careers. They’re welcoming students into their offices with open arms.” In addition to holding CareerX events during the school year, HDR is hosting two high school interns from DPS CareerConnect as part of the CareerLaunch internship program. The students have been taking DPS CareerConnect engineering classes in high school and will be able to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to an actual work environment.