Jeffco Educators: Help Students Shape What Career Pathways Can Look Like

Mar 5
2 min read

Updated: Mar 5

By MindSpark

Do you have students who are bright, capable, and full of ideas, but don’t always see themselves reflected in traditional career pathway programs?

MindSpark is seeking youth advisors for a one-day, youth-led design session, Invisible Made Visible, to work alongside peers and community and industry partners to help shape practical career and college pathways that reflect what young people actually need. This is one of those rare opportunities where the student voice isn’t a checkbox. It’s the engine.

If you have students who need a clearer sense of what’s possible, this is a powerful next step. Invisible Made Visible gives young people a structured, real-world experience where their perspective matters, their time is valued, and their ideas can shape real opportunities in Jefferson County. It’s especially meaningful for students who may not raise their hand first, but have a lot to say once they know they belong in the room.

Event details at a glance

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (arrive by 9:45 a.m.)
Location: MindSpark Learning, 13949 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80401
Who: Jefferson County youth ages 15–22 (youth do not need to be currently enrolled)
Stipend + breakfast and lunch provided | Transportation not provided
Apply by: April 15, 2026
Questions: lauren@mindspark.org

In partnership with Jefferson County Communities That Care (CTC), MindSpark will host youth advisors and community partners at MindSpark Learning.

What students will do

This is not a lecture. It’s a working session. Students will:

Surface the real barriers that can keep young people from accessing opportunities
Co-design practical solutions the community can act on (micro-internships, mentorship connections, exposure experiences, navigation supports, and more)
Help shape next steps so ideas generated in the room lead to real follow-through

Stipend and meals provided

We’re asking students to contribute real insight, so we’re treating it like real work. All participating youth will receive a stipend in recognition of their time and contributions. Meals will be provided thanks to local business support, including Sexy Pizza and Santiago’s.

Who can participate

Jefferson County youth ages 15–22
Youth do not need to be currently enrolled in school to participate
This is a strong fit for students exploring STEM, career pathways, postsecondary options, or simply looking for a meaningful way to contribute and be heard