Career Exploration

Want to get a deeper understanding of your career goals? Career goals are targets and can be short-term or long-term. Having a career goal keeps you focused on what you are working for. It gives you something to aim for, steps to follow, and progress to make. Below are some tools to help you assess your career goals.

• Grow Jeffco Career Coach – free
• Youscience – There may be a cost associated with this career assessment platform.
• Indigo – There may be a cost associated with this career assessment platform.
• CliftonStrengths – There is a cost associated with this tool
• Colorado's Career Cluster Survey
• Career One Stop

LinkedIn's recommended assessment tools.

• Resume Builder
• High school resumes
• Create a resume

Clear Creek Rafting – Be a vital component of our organization. Call 303-567-1000 or email work@clearcreekrafting.com.

EPRD Jobs For Teens – Evergreen Parks and Rec is looking for help this summer. 

Evergreen Golf Course – Lots of job opportunities for this summer. See job details.

Center for the Arts Evergreen

Jeffco SAE programs – Hiring for program aides and leaders to work with children in our summer camp program. No experience is necessary. Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Health-care and medical internships and summer opportunities

Engineering internships

UPS Store in Bergen Park.

Murphy's Mountain Grill – Complete an application online.

Firefighting and Public Safety – Would you like to become a wildland firefighter? The job is tough, challenging, and hard work. It's also rewarding with the opportunity to work outdoors and be an integral part of a team that makes a difference. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control has a wildland fire module based out of Gilpin County. We specialize in all aspects of wildland firefighting while also offering opportunities in structure fire, EMS, search and rescue, and more. Positions include both permanent and seasonal (summer) positions. Please contact module captain Robert Kriegbaum at 720-467-0489 or robert.kriegbaum@state.co.us. 

Beau Jo's Pizza – All positions, apply online.

Ace Hardware in Evergreen – Apply in person or at moorelbr.com/employment.

Evergreen Fire Protection District – Looking for volunteer firefighters.

Bread Lounge – Hiring now. Call 303-862-7993 or email lisa@evergreenbreadlounge.com or tyler@evergreenbreadlounge.com. 

TallGrass Spa & Salon – Join the Laundry Ninjas at TallGrass! Smell like a spa when you get home...Become a member of this exceptional spa team, learn about the industry in an unparalleled natural environment, and have fun doing it. Apply online at .tallgrassspa.com/employment or send your resume to Mel@TallGrassSpa.com.

Domino's Pizza

Evergreen Walgreens

Career Advance Colorado – Take the first step with Career Advance Colorado! Through your local community or technical college, you can get free training in nursing, firefighting, and other rewarding fields that move Colorado forward. Starting in August 2023, students who enroll in one of the following training programs will have their tuition, fees, course materials, and other costs covered while funding is available: 

1. Construction
2. Education
3. Early Childhood Education
4. Firefighting
5. Forestry
6. Law Enforcement
7. Nursing

To enroll, you must apply for federal and/or state financial aid. Contact your intended community or technical college to learn about program options, financial aid processes, and application steps. 

National Energy Academy – High school students meet other like-minded classmates from around the country and learn about the energy industry from professionals. IPAA Energy Workforce Education Center.

CareerWise Colorado - Apprenticeships for IT Students – Jeffco Public Schools partners with CareerWise Colorado for high school apprenticeships. List of current oppportunies for Jeffco IT students.

CareerWise Colorado Apprenticeships – Youth apprenticeships offered in 21st-century fields such as manufacturing, business operations, education, financial services, health care, real estate, technology, and more. You can earn an industry credential and be ready to step into an entry-level position.

Construction Management – The Colorado Homebuilding Academy offers high school students an opportunity to earn certifications, youth apprenticeships, and college credit.

Evergreen Christian Outreach's Job Center – A great place to start learning about programs that will help you with postsecondary careers! Connect with incredible training programs in construction, IT, health care and many other professional industries.

Western Tech Diesel Mechanics Program – Western Tech is one of the few private career schools in the nation to offer a diesel program that is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation, a division of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). 

Free Construction Career Training – Get paid to get trained. Six weeks free training with industry experts. Earn up to $200. NCCER curriculum. Hiring Fair included in training. Colorado Contractors Association.

Read this quick overview of nursing. There are several levels of nursing and associated degrees:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Requires completion of state-approved education program (three to eight weeks) and successful passage of CNA exam. Courses can be found in community colleges, online campuses, and private for-profit CNA companies.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Requires completion of a practical nursing diploma program (approximately 12 months) and successful passage of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Courses can be found in community colleges, online campuses and private, for-profit LPN companies.
• Registered Nurse (RN) – Two levels of nursing degrees can lead to a career as an RN: an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN). ADN programs can be completed in 12-18 months; BSN can be completed in about 33 months. To begin work, RNs must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Academic programs can be found at community colleges and online campuses; can be completed in 12-18 months.
• Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Academic programs can be found at undergraduate colleges and online campuses; can be completed in as few as 33 months.
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) – There are four main types of APRNs: nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. APRNs must earn a master's of science in nursing (MSN) and pass a national certification exam in an area of expertise.
• Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Usually must have a bachelor's degree, but it does not need to be a BSN. There are also RN to MSN programs in which you can pursue a master's without having to earn a bachelor's degree first.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – An elite group of nursing professionals who are viewed as leaders within the field of health care, are in high demand, and are able to operate their own private practices. The NP Degree can be pursued at the Master's or Doctorate level (DNP).

Nursing BSN programs

• U.S. News and World Report – Nursing School Compass
• Niche – Best Colleges for Nursing
• Nurse.org – Best Nursing Schools in Colorado
• Google Search – Dual Accelerated BSN/MSN Programs

Applying to nursing schools

Check out these resources:

• Ultimate Guide to Getting Into Nursing School
• Increase the Odds of Getting Into Nursing School
• How to Get Your BSN Degree

Questions to consider for nursing programs

Most undergraduate nursing departments require direct application to their nursing program, but some do not. This is always an important question to ask during the application process and/or research on each college's website. Some other good questions to ask about BSN programs include:

1. Is your program accredited by a national agency? This is especially important if you plan to seek financial aid because many sources are not available for non-accredited programs. It is also critical if you intend to continue your education as you will be limited in progressing in your career if you graduate from a non-accredited program. The two national associations that accredit nursing schools are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
2. Is your program approved by the State Board? At the completion of your education, you will need to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to be licensed as a nurse in your state. Each state determines the standards and approves the schools for educating nursing students so they are eligible to take the NCLEX.
3. What is your pass rate for the NCLEX? One of the benchmarks of a program's success is the first-time NCLEX pass rate of its graduates. This is a good indicator of how prepared the students are at graduation and a good indicator of a healthy nursing program.
4. What nursing degrees does your program offer? Although the bachelor's in nursing degree (BSN) is becoming the accepted entry-level degree for nursing, associate's degrees in nursing (ADN) are still widely available. There are many career paths you can pursue as a nurse. Try to determine your ultimate goal and find the degree program best suited to meet that goal. Some colleges offer dual, accelerated BSN/MSN programs in which you can earn your master's degree with one extra year of schooling.
5. How much assistance does your program provide in finding and securing clinical placements? Investigate the potential clinical sites to ensure you will have a well-rounded experience as well as if the expected amount of travel is feasible with your situation (distance, car, public transportation, safety of site).
6. Do you have a flexible schedule? This is important for non-traditional students who may need to work while going to school. Many programs have blended class schedules, offering online components.
7. Ask about tuition and other costs. Tuition and fees can vary significantly from school to school, especially when comparing public and private colleges. Additionally, there are extra costs to include uniforms, clinical tools, software, and books. Many schools have well-funded scholarship programs and financial aid options.
8. Does your program have a complete clinical lab for learning? Do you use simulation in your instruction? The use of simulation devices helps bridge the gap between the classroom and real-life experiences. Simulation use ranges from non-responsive mannequins to mannequins that breathe, blink and change as clinical conditions shift. Nursing is a hands-on profession, so the more practice you get, the better prepared you are.
9. What are your class sizes?
10. What kind of support do you offer students? Nursing school is a very challenging and different experience from traditional higher education experiences. It is important to investigate whether a nursing program provides additional support resources, such as tutors, study groups, or audiovisual aids. In addition, ask about the faculty's availability for students who need extra support – these professors will be invaluable mentors who can help you make decisions that will advance your career.

Scholarships for nursing

• Laboure Blog – scholarships for nursing
• Nurse.org – scholarships
• BSN Education – nursing scholarships
• Nurse Journal – nursing scholarships
• Scholarships related to health care
• Scholarships for female students
• Scholarships for Jeffco and Colorado students
• Scholarships for STEM fields

Summer health-care opportunities

Summer health-care opportunities – In counseling, we often hear from college representatives that gaining some experience in the healthcare field in high school can enhance your application to a nursing, biomedical, or pre-med undergraduate program. Check in with each program of interest for up-to-date information Here are some links for local health care-related summer opportunities for high schoolers:

• Children's Hospital Colorado
• Denver Health
• UC Health
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
• University of Denver Health Professions Highway

Practical Nursing

To apply, go to CareerwiseColorado.org, click “I’m A Student” and create a profile.

Evergreen Fire and Rescue offers an Emergency Medical Responder Cadet Program for EHS students. This course introduces individuals into the field of emergency medicine. This course is not a prerequisite for EMT-Basic but provides a tremendous foundation for those interested in the medical profession. 

The course content includes, but is not limited to, introduction into EMS, basic airway management, patient assessment, basic illnesses and injuries, pediatrics, and basic EMS operations.

This course offers certification by the Colorado Division of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), as a first responder. A course average of 80% must be met including an 80% on the final written exam.

The advantage of obtaining the first responder certification is that it affords an opportunity of becoming a volunteer firefighter with various fire and rescue agencies. It also provides a fantastic introduction for those interested in taking an EMT Basic course or pursuing a career in medicine.

Attendance Policy: We have a strict attendance policy in accordance with CDPHE and the DOT standards in which students are not allowed to miss more than six hours of class. Students missing more than the allotted time will not continue regardless of the circumstance, and will be asked to withdraw from class. It’s important for students to understand the requirements prior to enrolling.

• Waiver
• Application