URGENT UPDATE: Colorado has just announced a transformative investment of $5.6 million to enhance higher education accessibility for rural students. Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) revealed this significant funding initiative earlier today, aimed at expanding work-based learning opportunities across the state.
The funding package is primarily fueled by a generous commitment of $5.5 million from the Ascendium Education Group, with an additional $100,000 contribution from the Strada Education Foundation. This initiative is part of House Bill 25-1186, a bipartisan effort designed to combat educational inequality in underserved areas.
This critical funding will support the establishment of a consortium that aims to scale work-based learning efficiently. By leveraging state work-study resources, the initiative will provide credit-earning internships and other financial support necessary to break down barriers for students in rural Colorado.
Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of CDHE, emphasized the urgent need for this initiative, stating that these rural sectors face “unique challenges, including limited access to educational resources, economic opportunities, and support services.” This funding is set to reshape the educational landscape, directly addressing disparities experienced by students in remote locations.
This legislation aims to create stronger connections between education and market-ready skills, ensuring that students are equipped for the workforce. The CDHE’s Office of Educational Equity, Workforce, and Social Mobility will manage the distribution of these grants, focusing on recognizing institutions that serve large populations of first-generation college students. Additionally, there will be advocacy for robust mental health frameworks and career-connected campuses.
As this initiative unfolds, it is positioned to make a profound impact on the lives of students across Colorado, providing them with the resources they need to succeed in higher education and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates as this groundbreaking initiative progresses, potentially reshaping the future of education in rural areas of Colorado.
