Found in all parts of the state, these partnerships encompass approximately 20,000 employers and 130 school districts. Participating school districts represent roughly 89 percent of Colorado public school students. Levels of participation by businesses range from career talks and job shadowing opportunities to mentoring, internships, or full apprenticeships. Internships may be paid or unpaid, and are often done for school credit. Apprenticeships are often technical in nature and are undertaken following high school graduation.
Some partnerships emphasize a student enterprise.
For example, in Eagle County, high school students are using hydroponics to grow plants and raise fish. With the Colorado Division of Wildlife as a partner, the enterprise has evolved into a small-scale ecological system known as the Eagle Valley Bio Building. Additionally, the Education Commission of the States has chosen Colorado as one of six states to develop a model integrating standards and workplace skills at the postsecondary level. Although internship programs have existed for years, an increasing number of states can now point to an organized network wherein students, teachers, and employers can come together. Colorado, with roughly 18 percent employer participation, has done better than average in recruiting business support.