IMPACT & WHAT’S AHEAD
So, what does it look like to shift impact on and outcomes for students? By focusing on public policy, the organization: • Expanded the Career Development Incentive Program through a 10-year, $95 million investment to help high school students earn industry-recognized credentials and access high-quality work-based learning opportunities. • Invested over $70 Million in improving Colorado’s school-to-work pipeline through policies that provide students with free access to in-demand, short-term credentials in labor-challenged fields such as health care, construction, law enforcement, and education and established a new scholarship program for Colorado high school graduates that provides awards to students pursuing high-priority postsecondary education and workforce training opportunities. • Passed groundbreaking legislation to improve math outcomes in K-12. The legislation is the first of its kind in the nation, implementing an all-encompassing approach to addressing the 50,000 Colorado students who are currently struggling with math. • Passed two laws that will significantly expand resources for 300,000 adults in Colorado without a high school diploma to access the
While the work continues to support and expand effective programs, since 2006, Colorado Succeeds has championed a variety of important wins for learners across the early childhood to career continuum. These include supporting the passage of key education and workforce policies such as: • Creating opportunities for students to earn an associate degree while still in high school • Removing of outdated seat time requirements allowing for greater learning outside the classroom • Expanding dual/concurrent enrollment to every school district in the state • Ensuring college credit is awarded for meaningful work experience • Incentivizing school districts that support learners in earning career-relevant credentials • Providing universal access to free part-time preschool and full-day Kindergarten for all students • Allocating equal funding for public charter school students In 2023 specifically, Colorado Succeeds’ business coalition made important progress in transforming our state’s education and workforce development systems.
38 The Acumen
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