URGENT UPDATE: Colorado has just announced a groundbreaking 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, which is set to expand work-based learning initiatives across the state.
This financial boost comes from a substantial $5.5 million contribution by Ascendium Education Group, alongside an additional $100,000 from the Strada Education Foundation. This funding is part of House Bill 25-1186, a bipartisan effort designed to tackle educational disparities faced by students in remote areas.
The grant package is designed to establish a consortium that will enhance work-based learning opportunities, making higher education more practical and accessible for students. The initiative is particularly timely as it seeks to swiftly eliminate financial barriers by leveraging state work-study resources to support credit-earning internships and similar opportunities.
Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of CDHE, emphasized the unique challenges experienced in Colorado’s rural sectors, stating that many students face “limited access to educational resources, economic opportunities, and support services.” This funding aims to address these urgent needs and firmly connect education with market-ready skills.
The bipartisan legislation specifically targets persistent disparities that hinder students in rural areas, aiming to cultivate strong ties between educational institutions and local job markets. CDHE’s Office of Educational Equity, Workforce and Social Mobility will manage these grants, with a focus on recognizing institutions that serve a significant number of first-generation college students and advocating for comprehensive mental health frameworks and career-connected campuses.
As this initiative rolls out, it promises to reshape educational support in rural Colorado, addressing the pressing need for equal access to learning and economic opportunities.
With this critical funding, Colorado is taking a decisive step toward ensuring that all students, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to thrive in higher education. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
