Glossary

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes offered in high school. Students may earn college credit by successfully completing the course and earning a qualifying score on the AP exam.

Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) is a fifth-year high school program that allows eligible students to take college courses after their senior year at little or no cost to families while earning transferable college credit.

Concurrent Enrollment (CE) allows students to take college courses while still enrolled in high school. Students earn both high school and college credit at the same time.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide students with hands-on learning experiences connected to high-demand careers. Programs help students develop technical skills, explore career interests, earn industry credentials, and prepare for college, careers, military service, or technical training.

CTSOs are student organizations connected to Career and Technical Education programs. These organizations help students build leadership, teamwork, communication, and career-readiness skills through competitions, projects, and community involvement.

Examples include:

• DECA
• FCCLA
• FBLA
• HOSA
• SkillsUSA

The Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) helps students identify their interests, explore career options, set goals, and plan coursework and experiences that align with their future plans after high school.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, global perspectives, research, and writing. Students may earn college credit through IB coursework and exams.

An industry credential is a certification that demonstrates a student has learned skills needed for a specific career or industry. Credentials are recognized by employers and can help students enter the workforce with a competitive advantage.

Examples may include:

• EMT Certification
• CNA Certification
• Adobe Certifications
• Automotive Certifications

A pathway is a sequence of courses and experiences connected to a career field or area of interest. Pathways help students build knowledge and skills over time while exploring future career opportunities.

Postsecondary refers to education, training, or career opportunities that occur after high school graduation. This may include:

• College or university
• Technical or trade school
• Apprenticeships
• Military service
• Workforce training programs

Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PSR) supports students as they prepare for life after high school through college credit opportunities, career pathways, work-based learning, and career planning resources.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) provides students with real-world career experiences connected to classroom learning. These experiences help students explore careers, build professional skills, and gain hands-on experience.

Examples include:

• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Clinical experiences
• Industry-sponsored projects
• Job shadowing
• School-based enterprises

Colorado’s “Big Three” are key experiences that help students graduate prepared for their future:

• College Credits
• Work-Based Learning Experiences
• Industry-Recognized Credentials

The Big Three help students graduate with practical experience, transferable skills, and a clearer understanding of their future goals.