URGENT UPDATE: Colorado has just announced a transformative investment of $5.6 million aimed at enhancing higher education opportunities in rural areas. Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) revealed this significant funding package, set to expand work-based learning initiatives across the state.
This funding is made possible through a $5.5 million commitment from the Ascendium Education Group and an additional $100,000 from the Strada Education Foundation. The initiative, part of House Bill 25-1186, is a bipartisan effort designed to reduce educational disparities faced by students in remote Colorado communities.
The grant will establish a consortium to scale work-based learning, ensuring students gain practical experience while earning academic credits. Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of CDHE, emphasized the urgent need to address the “unique challenges” encountered by rural students, including limited access to educational resources and economic opportunities.
This funding aims to swiftly eliminate financial barriers by leveraging state work-study programs to support credit-earning internships and related opportunities. The initiative is not just about funding; it aims to reshape educational support in rural settings by recognizing institutions that serve large numbers of first-generation college students and advocating for comprehensive mental health resources and career-connected campuses.
With this investment, Colorado is taking decisive action to strengthen ties between education and market-ready skills, impacting countless students who have historically faced obstacles in accessing quality higher education. As this initiative unfolds, stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about its development and potential to change the educational landscape in rural Colorado.
WHAT’S NEXT: Observers will be watching closely as the CDHE rolls out these plans, which promise to reshape educational equity in the state. This funding not only signifies a financial commitment but also highlights the state’s dedication to building a more inclusive educational system. Share this urgent news to spread awareness of how Colorado is paving the way for a brighter future for rural students!
