PWR Day at the Capitol

Students, educators, and policymakers gathered at the Colorado State Capitol on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, for Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Day, hosted by the Homegrown Talent Coalition. The event highlighted career-connected learning programs that help Colorado students build skills, explore career pathways, and gain real-world experience.

Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon opened the event by emphasizing the importance of listening to students when shaping education policy. She highlighted the evolving nature of K-12 education, integrating traditional subjects with opportunities like coding, AI, agronomy, and economics, while preparing students to be leaders in their communities.

Rep. Katie Stewart focused on the impact of workforce readiness programs in rural Colorado. She highlighted initiatives in Durango and across the state that connect students to career pathways, internships, and skill-building opportunities while aligning with local workforce needs.

Dr. Jon Hoerl, principal of Durango High School, shared how his school has developed 14 career pathways, expanded work-based learning, and partnered with Fort Lewis College and Pueblo Community College to provide students with college credit. He highlighted hands-on programs ranging from welding and woodshop to interior design, engineering, and health sciences, stressing that students in rural Colorado deserve the same opportunities as those on the Front Range.

Students also shared their experiences. Fatima Najar Madera, a senior at William Smith High School in Aurora, described internships and concurrent enrollment courses that helped her clarify career interests and gain real-world experience. Svetlana Mikhaylova, a JeffCo Public Schools alum, spoke about how high school workforce programs gave her skills, mentorship, and opportunities that shaped her career and personal growth.

Organizers said the event underscored the value of PWR programs and called for continued investment and collaboration to ensure all Colorado students, regardless of zip code, have access to career-connected learning, internships, and postsecondary opportunities.  See more photos on our Flickr page.