Colorado: Governor Polis and Arnold Ventures Announce Funding to Increase Entry-Level Employment in Skilled Trades and Health Care Professions

DENVER ~ In a joint effort to improve economic opportunities for Coloradans, Governor Jared Polis and philanthropy Arnold Ventures have announced a multimillion-dollar investment to help individuals enroll in and complete education programs that will prepare them for skilled trade and healthcare professions. This initiative is part of the Colorado Partnership for Proven Initiatives, a philanthropic partnership worth $20 million over several years.

The program, which will enroll 250 participants across CrossPurpose campuses in Denver, Englewood, and Arvada, will offer trade and credential programs such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, licensed practical nursing, registered nursing, radiologic technology, and surgical technology. CrossPurpose is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that aims to eliminate poverty through career and community development.

Governor Polis expressed his excitement about the partnership stating that Colorado is a national model for connecting individuals with the necessary skills to secure well-paying jobs that allow their families to thrive. He believes that by combining state and philanthropic resources, they can expand proven programs that provide support for individuals to complete their education and build better lives for themselves and their families. The governor also emphasized the importance of strengthening Colorado's workforce and ensuring equal opportunities for all residents.

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Under the $4.5 million investment – which includes a grant from Arnold Ventures matched dollar-for-dollar by the State of Colorado – CrossPurpose will work with local employers to identify the skills needed in their workforce. They will then collaborate with community colleges and training providers to develop credential programs that teach these skills. Participants will be enrolled full-time and provided with financial assistance covering up to 100 percent of their tuition fees for classes, books, transportation, uniforms, licensing exams, and other educational needs. Additionally, they will receive support from counselors who will help them develop time management skills and overcome any barriers to graduation. Once they have completed their credentials, CrossPurpose will also provide job placement assistance.

Laura Arnold – co-founder and co-chair of Arnold Ventures – praised the partnership, stating that Project QUEST, the model for the new program called Ascent, has a proven track record of developing a highly skilled workforce and placing candidates in well-paying jobs. She also expressed her appreciation for Governor Polis' partnership in maximizing opportunities for Coloradans through evidence-based approaches like the Ascent program.

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The Ascent program will be evaluated rigorously in 2026 and 2027 to ensure it is meeting its goals for program enrollment, education completion, and job placement. Jason Janz, chief executive officer of CrossPurpose, expressed his excitement about enrolling hundreds of Coloradans in the new program who would otherwise be unable to enroll or complete these programs without additional support. He also highlighted the success of their Leaders Program, which has already reached over 3,000 people across the state both online and in person.

The State of Colorado and Arnold Ventures are working with the nonprofit, nonpartisan Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy to implement this initiative. The Coalition's president Jon Baron commended CrossPurpose for bringing the QUEST model to Colorado – one of the few workforce development programs for low-income adults that has been rigorously shown to produce significant and lasting earnings gains. He believes that Governor Polis and Arnold Ventures are setting an example for other governments on how to use evidence-based approaches to make real progress on economic mobility.

Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy that supports research to understand America's most persistent problems and promote evidence-based solutions. By focusing on systemic change and bipartisan policy reforms, they aim to improve the lives of American families, strengthen communities, and promote economic opportunity. With this investment in Colorado's workforce development programs, they hope to make a positive impact on individuals' lives by providing them with access to education and good-paying jobs.

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