June 26, 2025
The final stop of the 2024-2025 Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) regional training tour brought CWDC Education Consultant Sami Mooney to the Pikes Peak Region. In her joint role with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), Mooney supports schools in developing robust Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP) systems for K-12 students, aiming to enhance their postsecondary and workforce readiness.
The Pikes Peak Region's training session was marked by an immediate atmosphere of lively discussion and collaboration, reflecting the area's growing reputation for partnership. A total of 184 educators from over 30 school districts and local education providers converged to refine their practices for building data-driven ICAP systems that prioritize student success.
The Pikes Peak Region, encompassing El Paso and Teller counties, presents a unique challenge with 17 independent school districts—one of the highest concentrations in Colorado. However, education leaders in the region are actively embracing this complexity to ensure quality opportunities for all students.
Key Insights and Highlights from the Training:
Leveraging Data for Inclusive Student Support
Many school leaders observed that college and career activities often coincided with intervention times. For example, one career counselor realized that students receiving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) services, such as English language lessons, missed out on these opportunities because they met with CLDE teachers at the same time.
Their solution? Collaborate with CLDE teachers to ensure these students have access to ICAP resources.
The Power of Teamwork: “There’s Only One of Me”
A common realization for many school counselors is that achieving access for all students requires a team effort; these responsibilities cannot be shouldered by the school counselor alone.
- Engage classroom teachers to embed ICAP activities into instruction. Teachers can also play a major role in encouraging students to participate in opportunities.
- Involve parents/families in the ICAP process, increasing awareness of available opportunities for their student and fostering reflection.
- Engage community organizations working with students in more strategic partnerships.
Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Can’t Happen in Silos
- Increase career exposure in elementary and middle school, starting ICAP processes early with students and their families.
- Link academic and behavioral data, such as attendance, discipline, and grades, to ICAP.
- School buildings and districts need cross-functional teams to create an ICAP process that serves all students.
The PWR regional training was just one example of the Pikes Peak Region's commitment to collaboration, learning, and brainstorming in 2025, providing valuable engagement opportunities for business leaders, counselors, teachers, and community partners alike.
Explore All Stops in the PWR Regional Trainings: