Lauryn at Large
High school student joins Colorado Department of Higher Education as CareerWise apprentice
High school junior Lauryn Bracken of the Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design is one of 100-plus students participating in CareerWise Colorado apprenticeships across the state. This innovative program connects businesses with students eager for work-based learning and the opportunity to earn academic credit toward an associate’s degree.
With a CareerWise apprenticeship, students gain real-world skills and credentials that provide them with options to enter the workforce out of high school or continue their education. Apprenticeships are aligned to school curriculum to help close students’ skill gaps to meet the demands of Colorado businesses.
For students like Lauren, CareerWise apprenticeships are a no-brainer — they gain valuable experience, earn credits and get paid at the same time. We reached out to her to hear about her apprenticeship, and we didn’t have to go too far. She is a junior project manager with the Data and Research team here at the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE).
What are your career interests and how do you help CDHE’s data and research team?
I have an interest in education policy, so this apprenticeship is a good fit. I brought with me previous knowledge about education policy from my experience as a member of the Student Board of Education, a body of students that represent high schools in Denver. As a part of CDHE’s Data and Research team, I’m gaining more experience in education policy. I’ve been helping assemble data for higher education access and equity projects. I also feel lucky being able to sit in on staff meetings and learn from all of my colleagues’ expertise.
In your role as junior project manager, what’s the most memorable project you’ve completed?
I enjoyed helping Deputy Director of Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) Shelley Banker with a project for the 2017 COSI Symposium, an event focused on expanding opportunity and closing equity gaps in Colorado. As I worked on the project, I was reminded of all the amazing people who are making change in their communities, just like I want to do.
What an eye-opening opportunity! What else have you learned about education policy during your apprenticeship?
My previous knowledge about the impact of policy has been reinforced with every new experience at my apprenticeship. I realize what a big part policy plays in the lives of a student. It’s something that impacts us so directly, but we often don’t get a say in it.
Have you interacted with any other students as part of your apprenticeship?
Yes, I had a great experience when I accompanied Executive Director Dr. Kim Hunter Reed on one of her campus visits to Front Range Community College (FRCC). In addition to touring the beautiful campus and exploring FRCC’s programs, we held a panel with some of the students. Listening to this panel made me realize that not every student’s experience looks the same. Each student has different needs and challenges. This experience made me realize that a commitment to education is a commitment to all students, and the challenges they bring. I also realized that the opportunity to make a difference in education doesn’t necessarily have to wait until a future career. Students can realize their power now and utilize it in amazing ways.
It sounds like you’re preparing for a bright future ahead. What are your plans after high school?
I’ve decided I want to go to Spellman College, a historically black liberal arts college for women in Atlanta, Georgia. I know I’ll stay on an education career path, either becoming a teacher, administrator or policy maker in education.
Would you recommend a CareerWise apprenticeship to a classmate?
I would definitely recommend that students take advantage of this unique opportunity, but remember three important factors. I think before students look into starting an apprenticeship, they need to first ask themselves if this is something that will guide them to their career or academic goals. Secondly, aspiring apprentices need to make sure they can fit the extra hours into their schedule. And third, when a student begins an apprenticeship, they need to ask lots of questions. Lastly, I want to add that I’m glad I took this opportunity and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Apart from your apprenticeship, did you do anything fun this summer?
My Student Board of Education team members and I had the opportunity to attend an Allied Media conference in Detroit, where we learned the role social media plays in achieving social justice. When we weren’t at the conference we had a good time exploring the city’s history and culture, singing karaoke and meeting amazing people!
Lauryn works 16 hours at CDHE on Tuesdays and Thursdays and attends school Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Whether you’re a business, educator, student, or parent, visit CareerWise Colorado to learn about apprenticeships in business operations, finance, advanced manufacturing and information technology (IT).
