Over 1 Million Unique Credentials in US, Opportunity Now Colorado Grant Application, New Leadership at Colo State U
As we inch one week closer to the end of the calendar year, I hope you are each finding a moment for reflection–and joy– this season. As I reflect on the last year, I am grateful for the relationships that are growing across this network of readers and those who have taken an interest in what is happening in both policy and practice in the state of Colorado. As we look to the new year, we will be sharing our ‘hot takes’ for 2023 and will gather for a New Year’s kick off celebration event in mid-January. This week, we will have all the details – stay tuned!
As many of you may have read, the Supreme Court announced that it will review the legality of President Biden's student loan debt relief plan in February. In the meantime, the plan remains blocked as a result of lower-court rulings. I enjoyed reading Dr. Beth Akers’ take on the student loan pause. Beth joined us last year to talk about her book “Making College Pay: An Economist Explains How to Make a Smart Bet on Higher Education” and joined some “One Dupont West” colleagues this fall for a Denver-area dinner. I appreciate Beth’s perspective and what she brings to a very complex - and sometimes charged - conversation about student debt.
I hope you did not miss the fifth anniversary celebration and virtual convening hosted by the non-profit, Credential Engine. The fifth anniversary convening highlighted the progress made in the area of credential transparency, and findings from the latest “Counting Credentials ” report will be unveiled and discussed. Spoiler alert: Credential Engine has identified over 1 MILLION unique credentials (from badges to PhDs) in the United States – and of those 1 MILLION unique credentials, over half of them are offered by non-academic providers. These findings and the story behind this vast and complex marketplace will certainly become a key discussion point for postsecondary education leaders, employers, policymakers and advocates in the months to come. Stay tuned for additional takeaways and reflections from last week's event.
Spotlight on Colorado Education and Workforce
The state of Colorado has unveiled Opportunity Now – an $85 million grant program catalyzing transformative change for Colorado's workforce. Leveraging a historic influx of federal resources, Opportunity Now will provide grant funds to create or expand innovative talent development initiatives across the state.
Enacted by HB22-1350 and administered by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), Opportunity Now catalyzes industry and education collaboration to unlock economic mobility for Coloradans. The program seeks innovative solutions to meet Colorado’s workforce needs, partnerships that create intentional pathways between education systems and employers, and opportunities for regional workers and students to connect with in-demand, high-skill, high-wage occupations.
Multiple grant tracks are available for organizations and partnerships at various stages of program development, ranging from early-stage pilot programs to established, evidence-based programs. Applications are now open and letters of intent are due by January 23, 2023. Visit opportunitynow.co to learn more and apply!
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We are excited about the possibilities these funds will provide to so many ideas, pilot efforts and projects across our state - and our “One Dupont West” network. Questions? Happy to be a resource to our partners and readers; just contact us !
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Thank you for sharing Alison!