Cruz Rivera’s journey demonstrates how a youth apprenticeship can have a transformative impact, shaping not just technical skills but also confidence, resilience, and leadership. His story is a powerful example of how overcoming adversity, combined with the right opportunities, can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth. Due to all of his hard work, Cruz was recently named an Outstanding Apprentice by the Colorado Apprenticeship Awards!

Cruz’s early life was marked by significant challenges. He faced obstacles that could have easily derailed his future—his father’s deportation, his mother’s struggle with addiction, and a period of homelessness during his formative years. Despite these hardships, Cruz’s determination to succeed only grew stronger.

A turning point came when Cruz met Raymond, a mentor who provided the stability and support he had long been without. With Raymond’s guidance, Cruz began to rebuild his life. His passion for technology led him to an internship at Denver Public Schools (DPS), which then opened the door to a CareerWise apprenticeship as an IT apprentice on the DPS Hardware Repair Team.

When Cruz first joined the DPS IT Service team, he was eager but reserved. His early struggles—hesitation to make eye contact, speak up, or share ideas—were reflections of his past uncertainties. However, these challenges set the stage for a remarkable transformation.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Cruz’s technical skills improved significantly, but the most profound change was in his confidence and leadership. Supported by his supervisor, Bryan Roos, and the MyTech team, Cruz began to advocate for himself and his peers. “Cruz has grown immensely since starting his apprenticeship,” Roos observed. “He now confidently leads a group of interns, supporting them with training, certification, repair processes, and quality assurance for DPS Chromebooks.”

Cruz’s journey illustrates the impact of hands-on experience in a supportive environment. As he gained experience, he took on greater responsibilities, managing supplies, resolving issues, and mentoring new interns. His ability to guide his peers and tackle challenges with maturity showcased his evolution from an uncertain apprentice to a capable professional.

Cruz’s influence on the MyTech team extended beyond his technical contributions. His fresh perspectives and willingness to challenge conventional thinking energized the entire team. “Cruz’s positive attitude, particularly in stressful situations, has been a great show of his character and how much he cares,” Roos added. “The trust that has developed between full-time staff and our apprentice/intern cohort would not be possible without his efforts.”

Reflecting on his journey, Cruz shared, “Life will hit you with everything it’s got, but it matters how you get back up. Always get up and try again. Come try and look at it through a new lens and a new possibility.” His words capture the resilience and determination that have driven his success.

As Cruz prepares to attend the University of Denver on a full-ride scholarship, majoring in physics, he embodies the essence of determination and resilience. From facing homelessness to becoming a confident leader and mentor, Cruz’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of youth apprenticeships. His story highlights how individual perseverance and a desire to overcome adversity can lead to remarkable achievements.