Denver Connects Nearly 300 Students to Real-World Work Experiences and

Denver Connects Nearly 300 Students to Real-World Work Experiences and Trainings

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity and Denver Public Schools partnership to continue support of students through the Denver Youth Employment Program

Denver - Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) and Denver Public Schools (DPS) are continuing support of students through the Denver Youth Employment Program (DYEP), a program that connects students with workforce development, career exploration, and opportunities to pursue their passions and goals through real-world work experiences with local organizations, businesses, and growing industries. Funded primarily by the Youth Activities Program Special Revenue Fund (known as the "Broncos Fund"), the $1.5 million contract will support student wages, career coaching and program implementation.

As the city's partner, Denver Public Schools (DPS) delivers DYEP by offering pre-employment training sessions and paid work experiences, ensuring students are connected to meaningful work-based learning, expanded professional networks and financial literacy courses. The current program year will support placement of 295 students in paid work experiences.

"This initiative invests in Denver's future," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "Work brings us purpose, teaches us the value of collaboration, and expands our perspective. I'm proud to partner with DPS on this program and I can't wait to see what these young people accomplish."

This effort supports the city's 2026 Child Friendly goal to connect 5,000 more young people to quality out-of-school programming and work opportunities. Last year, the City and County of Denver connected over 4,000 young adults to jobs across youth employment programs, including DYEP.

"Investing in youth employment opportunities is one of the strongest ways to invest our local economy and build our future workforce," said Tony Anderson, Chief Workforce Development Officer, Denver Economic Development and Opportunity. "This partnership is helping build a pipeline for students to learn skills, real-world experience, networking, financial literacy and so much more that you can't get just inside the classroom."

"These opportunities within the community help students build confidence, develop workplace skills, and shape their career identity. DYEP is often a student's first meaningful work experience; it can set them on a path that prepares for their future," said Theress Pidick, Director of Youth Career Development, Denver Public Schools.

The City also encourages young people ages 14-21 with summer jobs who work over 100 hours to apply for a $250 bonus through the Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 6. Learn more here.

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