On Monday, March 11, Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced a program called Opportunity Next Colorado, which was created with the goal of increasing enrollment Colorado’s postsecondary schools and other training and trade programs.
According to information provided by OEDIT and Polis’ office, Opportunity Next Colorado will be providing one-time scholarships and career advising services to the class of 2024, “with an emphasis on connecting high school graduates to in-demand careers.”
“Colorado leads the nation in college degrees, and programs like Opportunity Next will help us continue to provide students with opportunities that lead to promising careers in attractive and high-demand industries,” Polis said. “I am proud to remove barriers to education and postsecondary training, strengthening our workforce and economy. These scholarships will help the class of 2024 further their education, gain more experience and get good paying jobs.”
The Opportunity Next Colorado program was enacted by SB23-205, and sponsored by Sens. Jeff Bridges and Paul Lundeen, as well as Reps. Matthew Martinez and Don Wilson.
The program hopes to provide $1,500 scholarships to more than 14,000 Colorado high school students graduating in the class of 2024.
In addition to the scholarships being provided by Opportunity Next Colorado, the program will also provide help and guidance for students filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid and college applications, “group coaching over the summer to prevent the drop-off of enrolled postsecondary students known as ‘summer melt’” and providing advising services to students who have not chosen to take a postsecondary school path by the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.
According to organizers, scholarship and student advising will be prioritized in school districts that report below-average FAFSA completion and college/university enrollment rates. They will also be working to promote students pursuing careers that are in high-priority industries with a high need for workers.
“As a state, we have more than two open jobs for every unemployed person. Through Opportunity Next, we can help train students in the class of 2024 for in-demand, good paying jobs while also strengthening high-priority industries that are key to Colorado's leading economy,” OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman said.
If a student is chosen as a recipient of one of the $1,500 scholarships, that money can be applied to tuition, fees, books and equipment needed by students for their classes.
The funding will be awarded from scholarship administrators who work at colleges and community colleges, registered apprenticeship programs and eligible training providers.
The scholarship guidelines also require that the scholarship administrators provide at least one program in fields that are considered “high priority industries” in the state of Colorado.
These industries include advanced manufacturing, computer and information sciences, construction, education, engineering and technology, family and social sciences, health and transportation.
“We are still not seeing as many learners pursuing education or training after high school that lead to an in-demand career, and the state is working to reverse this trend. We are excited to support the work of Opportunity Next by helping to remove financial barriers and introduce students to new educational opportunities. This program is designed to help students discover industries that may not already be on their radar, and outline both the short and long term pathways to gaining those in-demand skills,” Associate Vice Chancellor for Career and Technical Education at the Colorado Community College System Dr. Sarah Heath said.
Class of 2024 students who are interested in applying for an Opportunity Next scholarship or seeing which resources are available can visit the program’s website at www.opportunitynext.org.
“The website has been designed as a career exploration and advising platform, showcasing Colorado’s fast-growing industries as well as related education and training programs across the state that will provide Opportunity Next scholarships,” organizers said.
The writers of SB-23-205 also expressed their hopes for the program, sharing that equipping students with the ability to work in good-paying jobs and be well-trained for their careers are the first steps to setting Colorado students up for success.
“Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and every Coloradan should have the opportunity to earn a good life,” Sen. Jeff Bridges, (D-Arapahoe County) said. “That opportunity often starts with a good education, one that's aligned with good paying jobs in a person's community. Making sure that what schools teach matches what businesses need is exactly what the Opportunity Now grant does, leading to better wages for workers, a well-trained workforce for our employers and a stronger Colorado economy for everyone.”
“Through Opportunity Next, we continue to provide Coloradans with resources to get the training and education they need to earn a living and fill jobs across the state. That’s a win for Coloradans, for our economy and for our businesses,” Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, (R-Monument) said.
“Colorado students who want to pursue higher education or technical jobs often face financial barriers to developing the skills they need to access in-demand jobs. Opportunity Next provides financial support and career guidance that will help more Coloradans pursue their dreams,” Rep. Matthew Martinez, (D-Monte Vista) said.
“By providing scholarships and guidance to Colorado students through Opportunity Next, we are investing in their futures, creating a stronger Colorado, and meeting the needs of our businesses,” Rep. Don Wilson (R-Monument) said.
In total, $21 million in scholarships is available through the Opportunity Next Colorado program.
As of March 2024, 30 Colorado colleges, universities and community colleges have been chosen to be part of the distribution of Opportunity Next scholarships during their enrollment processes.
Applications for registered apprenticeship programs, eligible training providers and technical colleges will remain open until April 15.
