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Work-Based Learning at CPW

Colorado Parks and Wildlife—Work-Based Learning banner

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recently launched a High School Internship program as part of its broader Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities. These internships connect students with CPW professionals, provide academic credit, and allow young people to explore careers in natural resources while building essential workplace skills.

WBL Opportunities at CPW   

Why WBL at CPW?

The goal is to connect what students learn in school with what jobs actually need. CPW’s program helps address skill gaps, introduces students to a variety of career options, and increases student engagement in their education. 

Benefits to CPW include:Animated test tubes representing hands-on learning in science

  • Staff gain leadership and mentorship experience.
  • Internships create a pipeline of potential future employees.
  • Interns help with day-to-day tasks, freeing staff for more complex work.
  • Strong community connections with local schools

Testimonials from High School Interns

  • “I think my favorite part of the internship is the people that I'm around. I've become friends with most of my co-workers at each of the hatcheries and I have met tons of techs from other hatcheries, and tons of other wildlife-minded people.”
  • “I would love to get a job working at a hatchery again if I could because that was an amazing experience.”
  • “Prior to this experience I thought I only wanted to work in marine aquatics, but now I'm open to working in freshwater aquatics.”
  • “It was a really great experience! I appreciated that the people I worked with treated me like an adult.”

Testimonials from CPW Staff

  • “The intern was a great help for the summer. I was very impressed with the quality of the work they performed.” Animated GIF of a CPW high school intern assisting with field operations
  • “Our intern was a valuable part of our whole team. He was able to assist with duties requiring teamwork as well as perform individual tasks needed.”
  • “Getting students into this program is great, because if they love it they pursue it. This could possibly lead into longer temporary positions and possibly careers.”
  • “Our intern was given the same duties and responsibilities as our temporaries and full-time staff with regard to daily operations. I hope that we continue to find students that want to gain this experience and provide them the opportunity.”

Get Involved

  • Virtual Open House: Join a virtual session on the first Monday of every other month from 1–2 p.m. to learn more about WBL at CPW. Register here.
  • Become a WBL Ambassador: Support youth through a single interview, job shadow, or a season-long mentorship. Training and scheduling support are provided. Sign up here.

Contacts