College and Career Connections

College and Career Connections: Frequently Asked Questions

What is College and Career Connections?
College and Career Connections in Pueblo County School District 70 helps students prepare for life after high school through academic and career pathways that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Students can explore interests, earn college credit, and develop the skills needed for success in any postsecondary setting.

What is Concurrent Enrollment?
Concurrent Enrollment allows eligible high school students to take college-level courses while still in high school. Through partnerships with Pueblo Community College and Colorado State University Pueblo, students can earn both high school and college credit at no cost to families.

Concurrent enrollment courses may be offered at the high school or on a college campus. These opportunities help students:
• Experience college expectations in a supported environment
• Earn credits that apply toward a degree or certificate program
• Reduce the cost and time required to complete college after graduation

Students interested in concurrent enrollment should talk with their school counselor to review eligibility, placement requirements, and available courses.

What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)?
Career and Technical Education provides rigorous academic and technical training aligned to workforce needs. CTE courses combine classroom learning with hands-on experience to help students gain practical knowledge and professional skills that support college and career readiness.

District 70 middle and high schools offer CTE programs in areas such as:
• Business and Marketing
• Health Science, Criminal Justice, and Public Safety
• Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences (Construction, Manufacturing, and Agriculture)
• STEM, Arts, Design, and Information Technology

Students can explore their school’s course catalog to see which CTE classes are available.

What is Work-Based Learning?
Work-Based Learning (WBL) connects classroom instruction with professional experience. Students apply academic and technical skills in real-world settings through opportunities such as:
• Classroom speakers and career panels
• Job shadowing (virtual or in-person)
• Internships 
• Apprenticeships (multi-year, paid training experiences)

Students can earn high school credit for approved work-based learning experiences. Typically, 75 hours equals 0.5 credit, and 150 hours equals 1.0 credit. All work must be completed within the semester for which credit is awarded.

To learn more about Colorado’s Work-Based Learning Continuum, visit https://cwdc.colorado.gov/strategies/work-based-learning.

Who can help me learn more?
Students and families can meet with their school counselor to explore opportunities in concurrent enrollment, CTE, and work-based learning. Counselors help students align their Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) goals with courses and experiences that prepare them for college and career success.