ICAP | HOPE Academy

Individual Career & Academic Planning

HS ICAP Quality Indicators

ICAP Toolkit

Blank ICAP Form

ICAP Must Include (at minimum):

Career and college interest surveys
Written postsecondary and workforce goals
Benchmarks and progress data toward goals
Assessment scores
Service learning and/or work-based experiences
Activities linking school instruction to real-world work
Planned course sequence aligned to postsecondary goals
Academic progress tracking
College application(s)
Resume or work-based learning application
Understanding of post-high school financial responsibilities

ICAP Implementation:

Begins in 9th Grade and is updated yearly through 12th Grade
HOPE Academy starts early in 7th–8th Grade to prepare students for graduation success
Students build their ICAP with support from parents, educators, online resources, and the community

Support Tools:

An online ICAP toolkit is available for educators, counselors, and business partners to guide and strengthen student planning
See ICAP High School Quality Indicators for detailed planning benchmarks

HOPE Academy supports 7th–12th grade students in planning for success after high school.
The Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) connects academics with college and career readiness, aligning with Colorado’s Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) programs.

ICAP Overview & Benefits:

Required for high school graduation starting in 2025–26; aligned with graduation guidelines.
Supports programs like Concurrent Enrollment (CE), ASCENT, and Career & Technical Education (CTE).
Aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and 21st Century Skills.
Serves as evidence in educator effectiveness rubrics.
Valued by Colorado employers for promoting transferable skills.
Integrates with IEPs, ALPs, CTE study plans, and industry career pathways.
Keeps K–12 education aligned with workforce and higher ed trends.
Empowers students to explore interests, plan careers, and build financially successful futures.