ICAP Awards

Congratulations 10th Anniversary ICAP Award Winners!

The selection team of former awardees is delighted to announce this year’s 10^th Anniversary ICAP Awards. Find more practices in the PWR Practices, Tools, and Resources section of the PWR Playbook.

graphic design for ICAP

ICAP Team and Promising Practice Awards:

With Distinction: Aurora Public Schools. The district’s Elementary School ICAP Curriculum was developed by 1st grade teacher, Michelle Walker from Arkansas Elementary. It aligns with the district strategic plan, is embedded in core curriculum, and meets literary targets from the American School Counseling Association, Colorado Academic Standards, and the Collaborative for Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL).

Animas High School Charter, Durango. The 10th grade team developed a program called Sophomore Inspire Week that is integral to the high school curriculum and to the continuity of strong ICAP programming in every grade. Community members engaged with students in career and college exploration workshops and helped coordinate multiple 3-day community service projects.

Calhan High School, Calhan School District. The high school ICAP team was nominated by their Superintendent, David Slothower for their willingness to grow and try new conversations, and for a true shift in school culture that started to take place during College Applies Month. Mr. Slothower said, “I truly think the program opened doors and increased awareness for all students, but particularly for those for whom post-secondary education and training was an abstract concept. For them, the possibilities became more concrete.”

Mitchell High School, Colorado Springs District 11. The ICAP team was honored for the collaborative nature and curriculum of the College and Career Class (CCRC). In addition to all-staff orientation and training, grade-level learning teams meet monthly to strategize topics, curriculum, and resources. The process in meaningful because students are engaged in “…individual and group conversations with a real advisor for everything college and career related.”

Thornton High School, Adams 12. The ICAP team adapted their practice during COVID “to best serve students equitably.” They created online lessons and videos – in English and Spanish - that were engaging and accessible: for individual students, groups and families. The team worked together to brainstorm ways to connect with students that led to conversations about social/emotional support, postsecondary plans, scholarships, course selection, and relationship building.

pictures of books use in elementary curriculum

Elementary ICAP Curriculum in Aurora Public Schools

cartoon characters depict counseling team at Mitchell High School

College and Career Class at Mitchell High School

Honorable Mention:

Durango High School
Middle Park High School, East Grand School District
Middle School Future Center, Westminster Schools
The Academy of Charter Schools

Honorable Mention: First- ever ICAP Student Award:

For the first time, the ICAP selection committee honored a student from Durango Big Picture High School for her “exemplary dedication to the ICAP process, including the completion of 1000 internship hours in four years.” According to her nominator, the ICAP and internship process helped this student become “a positive young adult and a contributor to the Durango community.”

ICAP Award Winners, 2014-2019

From 2014-2017, the State Board of Education recognized award winners at their January Board meeting. In the last few years, the winners have been recognized on this webpage, and their practices are posted in PWR Practices.

See also: