The reality is that success after college often depends on much more than a degree. Professional networks, internship opportunities, mentorship, workplace experience, and confidence navigating professional environments all play a significant role in launching a successful career. Unfortunately, many students don’t have easy access to those resources. That’s where HighView comes in. 

This month, we’re proud to recognize HighView, a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to helping motivated students from under-resourced communities turn academic success into long-term economic opportunity. Through mentorship, career exposure, professional development, and hands-on work experiences, HighView is helping students build the skills, relationships, and confidence needed to thrive in college and beyond. 

HighView’s mission is simple but powerful: equip students with the social capital, connections, and career readiness necessary to achieve economic mobility. The organization supports first-generation and low-income Colorado students throughout their college journey, helping them overcome barriers that often stand between graduation and a strong first career opportunity.  

The results are impressive. HighView students achieve a 95% college persistence rate, a 100% career placement rate, and an average starting salary of $73,000 after graduation. These outcomes reflect the power of combining education with mentorship, professional networks, and real-world experiences.  

Through its four-year College-to-Career Accelerator program, HighView works alongside students every step of the way. Participants gain access to one-on-one mentorship, corporate immersion experiences, networking opportunities, career coaching, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for life after college. Rather than learning solely in a classroom setting, students engage directly with employers and professionals across a variety of industries, building relationships and gaining experience that can make all the difference when entering the workforce.  

Students also participate in workshops focused on communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, professionalism, workplace navigation, and emerging skills such as AI fluency. As they progress through the program, they gain exposure to internships, job-shadowing opportunities, and project-based learning experiences that strengthen their résumés and broaden their understanding of potential career paths.  

What stands out most about HighView is its belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t always equally distributed. The organization works to close that gap through three interconnected areas of development: durable workplace skills, social capital, and experiential learning.  

Students develop critical skills that prepare them for the future of work while building professional confidence and learning how to navigate workplace environments. Through mentorship and networking opportunities, they form meaningful relationships with professionals who can offer guidance, support, and perspective as they begin their careers. And through internships, projects, and job-shadowing experiences, they gain practical experience that helps them stand out after graduation.  

At its core, HighView is helping students see what’s possible. By connecting them with mentors, experiences, and opportunities, the organization is opening doors that can create lasting change for generations to come.  

HighView’s mission aligns closely with the MJ Foundation’s commitment to advancing education. At MJ, we know education extends beyond textbooks, lectures, and diplomas. It’s also about helping people develop the skills, confidence, and support systems they need to succeed in life and work. 

By investing in students throughout their college journey, HighView is creating opportunities that extend far beyond graduation day. Through mentorship, career exposure, and real-world learning experiences, the organization helps students build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.  

It’s the kind of impact we love to champion: empowering individuals through education while creating lasting, positive change that reaches far beyond a single student. That’s what makes HighView such a natural fit for the MJ Foundation’s mission.  

There are several ways to support HighView’s mission. Professionals can volunteer as career-specific mentors or job shadow hosts, helping students explore career paths and expand their professional networks. Mentoring opportunities are virtual, while job shadows are in-person. 

You can also support the organization through financial contributions that help remove barriers and create opportunities for students as they build the skills, connections, and experiences needed for long-term success.

To learn more about HighView and its mission, visit HighView.