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School District 49

Career Start Program (AVP)

Exploring Careers through PPSC Career Start

Gain knowledge and skills towards your career goals. Earn free college credits through PPSC Career Start. 

Free means free! Unsuccessful attempts to complete a college course no longer requires repayment to the district. No financial risk involved, apply today!

Career Start

If you are a qualified rising junior or senior and have a passion for designing, building, repairing, rescuing, welding, or caring for others, check out the Career Start Program offerings. Students should start planning early in the year prior to their intended start in the program. Applicants throughout the Pikes Peak Region are considered for placement and D49 cannot guarantee placement at PPSC; though, our staff will guide qualified students through the process!   
 
Qualifying involves a rigorous review of student records. Career Start is a program in which students take college courses alongside other high school and college students to work towards a certificate or degree in a specific career field. In order to qualify for application and approval to enroll students should be prepared to discuss and/or demonstrate the following:
 

  • Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) alignment to the Career Start program of choice.

  • Appropriate attendance records to support post-secondary success.

  • Behavior review supporting success in a post-secondary environment.

  • High School grade review supporting success in a post-secondary environment.

  • History of successful high school class enrollment and performance in Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses related to the Career Start program and ICAP goal.

  • Meaningful reflection of student Visit Day participation experience. 

  • Assessment Scores indicating post-secondary readiness in CTE programming (as defined by District 49).

  • Student must apply for participation in the D49 Concurrent Enrollment & Career Start program as well as apply for and receive a student number from Pikes Peak State College.

  • Student must be able to meet graduation requirements on time given the time away from the classroom in order to participate. This is determined via a counselor review of transcripts and anticipated scheduling during the Career Start program year. Many Career Start program courses do not provide core subject credits in the programming. 

After completing the D49 application and the PPSC application, contact your advisor by Winter Break and sign up for the mandatory Career Start Visit Day which is typically scheduled in late January or early February. There is a third application process for the specific Career Start program that will be guided by your school counselors in March for the registration into the following school year's cohorts.
 
Free transportation to PPSC Centennial Campus is provided five days a week; texts, supplies, and course materials are included at no cost to the student. Some programs do require background checks, drug screens, and/or specific apparel that may not be included.
 
Accommodations for Concurrent Enrollment students are determined by the college, based on 504/ADA requirements, not IDEA. For CE students seeking accommodative services, an initial intake appointment must be scheduled 6 weeks prior to the start of the college semester at the PPSC Office of ACCESSibility Services. Returning students complete this online form to request ongoing accommodations. Call 719-502-3333 for any other questions. See Accommodations info sheet on this webpage.
 

Pre-Order Travel Meals - Students can pre-order meals for pick up in the morning before leaving campus.

Career Start courses may not transfer to 4-year universities.

Bus Schedules 25-26