Are you contemplating a career change and seeking opportunities in high-demand industries? Career Advance Colorado offers a groundbreaking pathway to tuition-free training at numerous community and technical colleges across Colorado. This initiative is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to excel in sectors facing significant workforce shortages, all without the burden of tuition fees, course fees, or material costs.
This exceptional program covers a range of essential and growing fields, including:
- Construction
- Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Firefighting
- Forestry
- Law Enforcement
- Nursing
If you’re ready to take the next step towards a fulfilling and in-demand career, the Career Advance Colorado Program could be your perfect launchpad.
To determine if specific colleges are currently accepting new enrollments into the Career Advance Colorado program, it’s essential to contact the individual colleges directly. They can provide the most up-to-date information on program availability and guide you through the necessary application steps. A crucial part of the enrollment process involves applying for federal financial aid and/or state financial aid. These applications are prerequisites to confirm eligibility for the program.
Participating Colleges and Their Program Availability
The Career Advance Colorado program is implemented across a wide network of Colorado’s esteemed community and technical colleges. Program specifics and financial aid procedures may differ slightly between institutions, so reviewing each college’s website is highly recommended.
| Area of Study | Construction | Education | Early Childhood Education | Firefighting | Forestry | Law Enforcement | Nursing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participating Colleges | |||||||
| Aims Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arapahoe Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Colorado Mountain College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| CMU Tech | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Colorado Northwestern Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| Community College of Aurora | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| Community College of Denver | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Emily Griffith Technical College | Yes | Yes | |||||
| Front Range Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
| Lamar Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Morgan Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Northeastern Junior College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| Otero College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| Pickens Technical College | Yes | Yes | |||||
| Pikes Peak State College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| Pueblo Community College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Trinidad State College | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Backing Behind Career Advance Colorado
Career Advance Colorado is not just another program; it’s a significant investment in the future of Colorado’s workforce. Fueled by House Bill 23-1246, the program benefits from a dedicated $38.6 million fund. This substantial allocation is specifically designed to eliminate financial barriers for students seeking training in critical sectors grappling with workforce shortages. The funding comprehensively covers all enrollment expenses, ensuring that tuition, fees, and course materials are entirely free for eligible participants.
Governor Jared Polis demonstrated his commitment to workforce development by signing this landmark bill in May 2023. The bipartisan support for this initiative is evident in its sponsorship by prominent Colorado legislators, including House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senators Janet Buckner and Perry Will, and Representative Rose Pugliese.
Career Advance Colorado builds upon the proven success of the Care Forward Colorado program. Care Forward Colorado has already made a significant impact by training thousands of Coloradans for vital entry-level healthcare positions. Reflecting its continued success and the ongoing need for skilled professionals, Care Forward Colorado will continue to operate alongside Career Advance Colorado, as long as funding permits, offering even more avenues for individuals to pursue rewarding careers. Learn more about the Care Forward Colorado program. Care Forward Colorado program.
Career Advance Colorado presents an unparalleled opportunity to gain valuable skills and embark on a new career path without financial constraints. Explore the participating colleges and take the first step towards your career advancement today!
