I N TE RN S HI P S FO R SU CCE SSFU L
POSTCOL L EG E CA R E E R S
By 2020, overall employment in the United States is expected to increase by almost
55 million and 35 percent of these jobs will require a college education. In Colorado,
that number is much greater—nearly 75 percent will require a postsecondary degree or
credential.
The Colorado Commission on Higher Education prepared a master plan to meet higher
education needs, including a goal of 66 percent postsecondary degree attainment for
Colorado adults by 2025.
College Track Colorado is set to meet this goal for our students. We know that Colorado
students have an extraordinary amount of talent, but lack the opportunity to unleash it. We
believe that by empowering students from underserved communities to earn a college
degree, we can ensure that they capitalize on their potential.
Since opening our flagship center in Aurora in 2011, College Track Colorado has grown
to serve more than 450 students across the state. Today, 100 percent of our students are
accepted to four-year colleges and 92 percent will be the first in their families to earn a
four-year degree.
A key component of our college completion program is creating opportunities for our
students to connect with internships that prepare them for successful careers. In fact, one
internship increases the rate of securing full-time employment six months after graduation
by nearly 40 percent. For our students, who come from populations traditionally
underrepresented in corporate America, the value of internships is magnified.
By introducing students to the professional work environment early, exposing them to
networking opportunities, and making the connection between their academics and
career trajectories, our students will be able to achieve their career goals and a life of
upward social mobility.