Engage49

• D49 Pathways and Programs are based on student interest and local/state job forecasting.
• One to four year long pathways are available that can lead to internships and certifications.
• Students can find their career passion and narrow down their career choices.
• Certifications can be earned in high school, which provide better pay and job opportunities.
• All D49 high schools offer pathways, programs and certifications.

At D49, we believe education should look like the real world. That’s why our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are designed to bridge the gap between high school and high-paying careers. Whether a student is interested in Healthcare, Engineering, IT, Manufacturing, Business, or Agriculture, they aren't just reading about the work, they are doing it. Our students develop tangible expertise and professional habits. Best of all, many D49 students graduate with professional certifications already in hand, allowing them to enter the job market with better prospects and higher starting pay. Learn more about student CTE offerings at d49.org/CTE

Work-based Learning (WBL) encompasses a variety of strategies to offer learners experiential opportunities to explore potential careers. Through partnerships with local businesses and industry partners, students can participate in job shadows, internships, and other career-connected learning experiences, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

• “Learning ABOUT Work”: focus on exposing learners to a variety of industries
• “Learning THROUGH Work”: engages learners in partnerships with industry representatives for hands-on learning
• "Learning AT Work”: prepares learners for specific career pathways

By graduating high school with even just 15 college credits (one semester's worth), a student could save $5,000–$10,000+ compared to paying for those same credits at a four-year university later, not to mention saving months of time on your degree.

CE also encompasses Career Start where qualified juniors and seniors can enroll in specialized programs at Pikes Peak State College, gaining knowledge and skills toward their career goals in fields such as Auto Collision Technology, Culinary Arts, Cyber Security, and more.

Colorado Career Advising: 7th-12th grade and new students complete a career assessment using the Colorado Career Advising tool. The results are meant to uncover students' unique strengths and motivators to match them with best-fit in-demand career and educational pathways. All D49 secondary schools utilize this tool to help students discover their natural potential and connect them to highly personal and relevant pathways. Students can also share their results with parents and guardians to help guide future planning. Learn more at coloradocareeradvising.com.

Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) is a multi-year process that intentionally guides students and families in the exploration of career, academic and postsecondary opportunities. Students develop the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and skills to create their own meaningful and powerful pathways to Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) and educators are able to record this information within PowerSchool. Learn more about ICAP through the Colorado Department of Education.

• The Campus: Meet and Greet Info Night. January 13th at 5:30pm. (2/10, 3/10, 4/28, 5/19)
• Sand Creek High School: 8th Grade Night. January 15th, 2026. 5:30 - 7:00pm
• Falcon High School: 8th Grade Night. Thursday, January 29, 2026. 6:00 – 7:30pm
• Vista Ridge High School: 8th Grade Night. February 4th, 2026. (tentatively)

We are eager to hear your voice and to understand how we can better support you in facilitating your child's learning journey at home. Your input is invaluable in shaping decisions regarding your child's education and we are committed to ensuring your questions and suggestions are addressed. Thank you for your continued partnership and involvement in your child's education!

We will be hosting a LIVE event Career and Technical Education and would like to shape the event to what you need. Please take the poll below to tell us what interests you the most!

Join us on Tuesday, January 27th at 6pm for a panel of experts on Cybersecurity, with dinner provided at 5:30pm. We will update the location soon!

This event is not your typical Parent Academy. We welcome all family and community members to guide the discussion with our panel of D49 and local experts on Safety and Security. The panel will occur from 6-7pm with a networking opportunity for additional questions and resources from 7-8pm.

We are Engage49 - D49's Family, School, Community Partnership (FSCP) Collaborative. Our mission is to serve and support D49 families directly by connecting you with valuable information and useful resources throughout the school year. Our common goal is to see D49 students flourish, and we believe creating positive relationships with parents is crucial to building strong foundations and launching students to success in our exceptional schools. The Board of Education has prioritized advocacy in their strategic objectives for the 24-25 school year and as Engage49, we are dedicated to building your capacity and advocacy opportunities in your educational community.