The Career Start Program at Pikes Peak Community College inspires high school students to start exploring career opportunities, start gaining knowledge and skills towards students’ career goals, and to start earning college credits and certificates. Students attending the Career Start program earn credit which can be applied toward high school graduation. Students also earn college credit which may be applied to a postsecondary certificate or degree. Classes take place at Pikes Peak Community College Centennial Campus. Construction and second-year welding students attend special lab locations. Students attend Career Start classes Monday through Friday. All classes are held from 9:00–11:40 a.m. with the exception of second-year Zoo Keeping students who attend 12:10–3:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Some programs require two years to complete while others are completed in one year. Instruction is provided in classrooms, laboratories, and in business and industry. Students are in class with other high school students from area schools.

Students who are enrolled in Career Start must also take two classes at LPHS each semester. For more information, students should meet with their high school counselor and search the PPCC High School Programs website and the LPHS website by going to the counseling tab, then Career Start.

2021-2022 Career Start Courses and Academic Credit Guidelines

The Cosmetology program is a one or two-year program in hair styling offered through the International Salon and Spa Academy (ISSA) in Colorado Springs. Classes follow a typical five-day week schedule. In addition to ISSA classes, Cosmetology students must attend two classes at LPHS. Students who attend ISSA for two years may be qualified to take the state board test to become a licensed hairstylist.