Support In-demand Career Workforce

The bill directs the state board of community colleges and occupational education (board) to administer the in-demand short-term credentials program (program) in order to support the expansion of the number of available and qualified professionals who are able to meet Colorado's in-demand workforce needs.

The bill appropriates $38.6 million from the general fund for this program. The board is required to allocate funds to community and technical colleges, area technical colleges, local district colleges, and Colorado Mesa university to provide assistance to students for eligible expenses that support their enrollment in eligible programs. If unexpended resources exist, the funds must be used to pay for a student's housing, transportation, or food expenses.

The bill requires the office of future work to provide grants to registered apprenticeship programs that provide training in the building and construction trade at no cost to apprentices. The bill appropriates $1.4 million from the general fund for this grant program.

The bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund to create 2 new short-term degree nursing programs at community or technical colleges.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)