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

DENVER ~ In an effort to improve economic opportunities for Coloradans, Governor Jared Polis and philanthropy Arnold Ventures have announced a new initiative that will provide support for individuals seeking higher-wage, family-sustaining careers in growing fields. This multimillion-dollar investment is part of the Colorado Partnership for Proven Initiatives, a philanthropic partnership with a total budget of $20 million.

The program, which will enroll 250 participants across CrossPurpose campuses in Denver, Englewood, and Arvada, will focus on skilled trade and healthcare professions. These include 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 enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that Colorado is a national model for connecting individuals with the skills needed to secure well-paying jobs. He emphasized the importance of combining state and philanthropic resources to expand proven programs that provide people with the necessary support to complete their education and launch successful careers.

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Under this $4.5 million investment – which includes a grant from Arnold Ventures matched by the State of Colorado – CrossPurpose will implement a new program called Ascent. This program is based on Project QUEST, an evidence-based model that offers long-term coaching, education planning, financial aid support, and wraparound services to help participants complete their career education and secure in-demand jobs.

To ensure that the program meets its goals of enrollment, education completion, and job placement success rates, CrossPurpose will work closely with local employers to understand their workforce needs. 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% of their tuition fees for classes, books, transportation costs uniforms licensing exams and other educational needs.

In addition to financial support, enrollees will also receive guidance from counselors to develop time management, study skills, and other life skills that may act as barriers to graduation. Once a credential is earned, CrossPurpose will provide job placement assistance to ensure participants can secure well-paying jobs.

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Laura Arnold, co-founder and co-chair of Arnold Ventures, praised the Ascent program for its replication of the successful Project QUEST model. She expressed her appreciation for Governor Polis' partnership in maximizing opportunities for Coloradans through evidence-based approaches.

The Ascent program will undergo rigorous evaluation in 2026 and 2027 to ensure it is achieving its goals. Jason Janz, CEO of CrossPurpose, expressed his excitement about enrolling hundreds of Coloradans in the program who would otherwise be unable to access or complete these programs without additional support. He also highlighted the success of their Leaders Program, which has already reached over 3,000 individuals across the state.

To implement this initiative, the State of Colorado and Arnold Ventures are working with the nonprofit organization Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy. Its president Jon Baron commended CrossPurpose for bringing the proven QUEST model to Colorado and emphasized its effectiveness in producing long-term earnings gains for low-income adults.

Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy that supports research aimed at understanding and addressing America's most persistent problems. By focusing on systemic change and bipartisan policy reforms, they strive to improve the lives of American families and promote economic opportunity. With this new initiative in place, Colorado is taking a significant step towards achieving these goals and providing its residents with better economic opportunities.

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