Gov. Polis, Legislators, Community Leaders Unveil Legislation to Save Colorado Businesses, Students, & Workers Money, Increase Good-Paying Jobs, and Ensure Student Success
DENVER — Today, Governor Jared Polis, Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, cabinet members, state legislators, members of the business community, and education advocates announced legislation to elevate student-to-career pathways, continue to bring good-paying jobs to Colorado, and support Colorado’s thriving economy for years to come. This legislation builds upon innovative proposals by Governor Polis to support workforce development and education opportunities, and reflects the Polis Administration’s commitment to supporting economic development and workforce solutions across Colorado.
"We are connecting Coloradans to good paying jobs, providing innovative and bold solutions to ensure student success, and strengthening our workforce talent pipeline. As Colorado’s economy continues to grow stronger, we remain committed to providing high quality work-based learning for Coloradans to get the skills they need for workplace advancement, and to prepare for the jobs of the future,” said Gov. Polis.
The newly unveiled legislation supports innovative and creative solutions to equip diverse learners with the skills to succeed in Colorado’s thriving workforce, and allows workers to connect life experiences, such as work experience, job skills, and apprenticeships toward credentials and degrees.
“Preparing students for success in the workforce will boost our economy and support employers across the state who are struggling to fill positions,” said State Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Colorado is taking a regional approach to boosting our workforce, beginning with creating new pathways for in-demand careers. We’re going to create new partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions to save students money on their degrees and expand opportunities to enter fast-growing, high-paying industries that are currently experiencing workforce shortages.”
“One of the main reasons people go to college is for the opportunity to earn a good-paying job,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “As folks decide what degree or certificate to pursue and where to earn it, these bills will ensure they have the data they need to get the best return on their investment while creating new pathways to help students earn those degrees and land high-paying jobs. With three out of every four jobs in our state requiring some kind of education beyond high school, these bills will also help us better align all of our educational institutions with the needs of our workforce, our employers, and our Colorado economy.”
“Everyone's educational journey is a little bit different, and stackable credentials offer flexibility to Coloradans pursuing new careers,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our bill makes it easier for postsecondary institutions and workforce development organizations offering trades and apprenticeship programs to prepare students for high-demand careers, and ensure the learning they do on the job is recognized as they continue their career trajectory. Sometimes life gets in the way of your educational plans, and stackable credentials provide more flexible options to students at any stage of life.”
“Expanding stackable credential pathways will set Colorado’s students up for success and help workers upskill and reskill to land the high-paying jobs they are seeking,” said State Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Colorado students – adults and youth alike – need efficient and effective pathways to gain the experience and training they need to earn a degree and, ultimately, a good-paying job. This bill will accelerate our economic recovery and help businesses fill the critical gaps in our state’s workforce.”
“The key to improving outcomes for students as they pursue postsecondary education and prepare for their careers is through better and more transparent data,” said State Representative Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This new legislation is focused on modernizing how we measure student success and ensuring our data systems are sophisticated to keep up with our ever-changing and growing economy, today and in the future. With data in hand, our postsecondary institutions can ensure students are getting the most out of their educational experience and leave prepared for their dream jobs and careers that will pay them more!”
“Measuring student success not only keeps us accountable, but it also helps higher education institutions pivot to better meet the needs of their students,” said State Representative Perry Will, R-New Castle. “We know Coloradans pursue higher education to broaden their horizons for career opportunities. This bill will make clear what type of return on investment students will get as they plan for their next step. With better data, we can create more responsive educational programs and ultimately a workforce that is better prepared for the future.”