This first-gen grad found her way. Now she helps BVSD students find theirs.
4 min read
At 16, Katelyn Cano was sitting at her best friend’s kitchen table, asking his mom how college worked. Katelyn was the first in her family to graduate from high school and the first to go to college. The ambition was there, but her path wasn’t clear.
“I always knew college was in my future,” she said. “But I didn’t know how to do something different. Thankfully, I had help.”
With few role models to follow and limited financial resources, she reached college and eventually earned a master’s degree by listening closely. Katelyn credits her success to working hard and paying attention to the adults who noticed her potential. Some sat with her at kitchen tables, others offered encouragement. Those moments stuck.
“My education has changed my life the most,” she said. “It opened doors I didn’t know existed. But I couldn’t have done it alone.”
Now a lead user experience researcher in the tech industry, Katelyn offers that same kind of support to students finding their own way forward as a Career Readiness Academy volunteer with Impact on Education.
“My education has changed my life the most. It opened doors I didn’t know existed. But I couldn’t have done it alone.”
Preparing students for college and career
The Career Readiness Academy (CRA) is Impact on Education’s 10-week after-school program for students at Boulder, Centaurus and Broomfield High Schools. It helps Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) students build confidence and develop professional skills that will serve them after graduation. Through workshops on job applications, resume writing, creating LinkedIn profiles, and more, students learn to prepare for the workforce and advocate for their own success. Participants also receive a stipend, helping make the program accessible to all.
Katelyn volunteers with CRA at Broomfield High School, leading mock interviews and offering guidance on resumes and cover letters. For her, it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress.
Katelyn sharing her professional experience and answering questions from Broomfield High School students during one of CRA’s “Pizza with a Professional” workshops
“I noticed many students start the program unsure and without access to the tools or confidence they need, and they finish with real, tangible outcomes, including how to show up professionally. I’ve watched students grow from hesitant to genuinely proud, and seeing that transformation, both in skills and confidence, is incredibly meaningful.”
“I’ve watched students grow from hesitant to genuinely proud, and seeing that transformation, both in skills and confidence, is incredibly meaningful.”
Volunteering with CRA lets Katelyn give back the knowledge and experience that changed her life. She’s also published a book of advice for first-generation college students. “There’s always someone ahead of you and always someone behind,” she said. “We all have information to share, even if we don’t think we do.”
Impact snapshot: Increasing student confidence
As students build new skills, they also gain confidence. Before last year’s program, only 19% of participants reported feeling very confident adapting their resume for a job or opportunity. After completing the program, that number rose to 67%.
Rate your confidence level…
2024-25 CRA participants were asked to respond to surveys before and after CRA, assessing their confidence and skills in different areas of college and career readiness. 69 out of 100 students responded.
Investing in student success
“It’s not just about one program or one kind of help… Impact on Education really shows up for students at every stage.”
Katelyn first connected with Impact on Education after moving to Colorado and searching for a local education nonprofit to support. What stood out to her then — and still does — is how the organization delivers support with dignity. Now, she’s now a proud volunteer and donor.
“It’s not just about one program or one kind of help. It’s the whole picture. It’s crayons and calculators, it’s scholarships and mental health support. Impact on Education really shows up for students at every stage.”
BEFORE YOU GO
Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.
Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?
