As Colorado Governor Jared Polis assumes the role of Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), his agenda presents a compelling vision for transforming education and workforce development across the nation. Drawing from many successful initiatives in Colorado, Polis offers a roadmap for aligning postsecondary education with the evolving needs of the workforce, potentially revolutionizing how America prepares learners for the jobs of tomorrow.
At the heart of Polis’ approach is a recognition that the traditional divide between higher education and workforce development is outdated and counterproductive. In Colorado, Polis has championed policies that break down these silos, and laid the foundation for a system that is better integrated and more responsive to learners and employers.
In Colorado, this integrated and aligned approach has become known as “The Big Blur,” and is closely aligned to tenets of the state policy framework designed by national non-profit Jobs for the Future (JFF). In the last year, policy leaders under Polis’ administration have written, delivered and started enacting recommendations from the Secondary, Postsecondary and Work-Based Learning Integration Task Force, which calls for every Coloradan – by the time they turn 21 – to have no-cost access to in-demand industry credential attainment, college credit that is part of a defined postsecondary and workforce readiness pathway, and high-quality work-based learning opportunities.
Work-Based Learning
The cornerstone of integrating work-based learning opportunities into every Coloradan’s education and training pathway have led the state to make significant investments in apprenticeship programs, particularly in high-demand fields including healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. These efforts were bolstered by the passage of House Bill 21-1007, which created the State Apprenticeship Agency, demonstrating Polis’ commitment to formalizing and expanding apprenticeship opportunities across the state. Polis has also signed into law a bill that fosters alignment between the career and technical education division of the Colorado Community College System with the State Apprenticeship Agency, expanding the number of aligned pathways for students to get work-based learning experience in fields prioritized by the state.
The success of initiatives like CareerWise Colorado, a youth apprenticeship program launched during former Governor Hickenlooper’s administration, has continued to grow under Polis’ tenure and demonstrates the potential of this approach. By enabling high school students to earn wages and college credit while gaining industry experience, the program creates a pipeline of skilled workers tailored to local economic needs.
Short-Term Credentials and Lifelong Learning
Under Polis’ leadership, Colorado has been building a system that elevates the relevancy and affordability of stackable credentials, micro-credentials, and non-linear pathways. Recognizing that the pace of technological change often outstrips the speed of traditional degree programs, Colorado has been at the forefront of developing shorter, more affordable pathways and credentials. This approach was reinforced by the recommendations that came from the Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force, which emphasized strategies that will ultimately build a ‘learner-centered talent ecosystem’ in the state.
In a groundbreaking move to support adult learners, Polis championed Senate Bill 19-176, which created the Colorado Re-Engaged (CORE) Initiative. This program aims to help adults who have some college credits, but no degree, to complete their postsecondary education. CORE enables four-year institutions in the state to award an associate degree to eligible students who stopped-out from a baccalaureate program after earning at least 70 credit hours. The state estimates over 25,000 Coloradans may currently be eligible for an associate degree under CORE.
Data-Informed Systems Alignment
Polis has also been a strong advocate for data-driven decision-making in workforce development. Colorado’s Talent Pipeline Report, produced annually by the Colorado Workforce Development Council in collaboration with at least six state agencies, provides a comprehensive analysis of the state’s labor market needs and guides policy decisions. It is anticipated that future versions of the Talent Pipeline Report will better reflect Colorado’s talent supply and demand needs once the state fully enacts HB24-1364, which establishes a State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) The approach that uses data to better align education with industry demands could serve as a model for other states under Polis’ NGA leadership.
Jobs in Emerging Industries
Polis’ focus on emerging industries, particularly in the clean energy and technology sectors, showcases his forward-thinking approach to workforce development. The creation of the Colorado Clean Energy Fund, established by House Bill 21-1290, is a testament to his commitment to preparing the workforce for the green economy. By incentivizing educational programs that prepare workers for jobs in these growing fields, Colorado is positioning itself at the forefront of the new economy. And higher education institutions in the state are heeding the call: Colorado boasts the only institution of higher education in the country – Colorado Mesa University – that is nearly 100% heated and cooled through clean, geothermal energy. The endeavor has been estimated to have saved the institution nearly $16 million since 2008.
Skills-Based Hiring
Long before he was elected Governor, Polis was known for his support of competency-based education approaches where learners earn postsecondary education credit for the experiences they have had on the job, or when they can show mastery in a particular topic or skill. Therefore, it was not surprising that under Polis’ leadership, Colorado became one of the first states to direct state agencies to prioritize skills-based hiring. The executive order enacted by Polis recognizes that traditional hiring methods often overlook talented individuals who may not have conventional educational backgrounds, but possess the necessary skills for a job. By focusing on skills rather than degrees, advocates believe the approach opens up opportunities for a more diverse workforce and ensures that state agencies can access a wider talent pool.
As Polis brings these ideas to the national stage through the NGA, there’s an opportunity to look at Colorado’s successes as a way to address persistent workforce challenges across the country. His agenda could help states tackle issues such as skills gaps, underemployment, and the need for continuous learning in a rapidly changing job market.
Critics might argue that what works in Colorado may not be universally applicable. However, the principles underlying Polis’ approach – fostering collaboration, emphasizing flexibility, prioritizing accessibility, and focusing on skills-based assessment – are relevant to all states grappling with workforce development challenges.
As America faces the dual challenges of recovering from the pandemic and adapting to long-term economic shifts, Polis’ vision for aligning education with workforce needs couldn’t be more timely. As he takes the helm of the NGA, Governor Polis has the opportunity to inspire a new era of innovation in workforce development across the United States. By breaking down barriers between academia and industry, emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, and creating more flexible pathways to career success, his agenda offers a blueprint for building a more dynamic and inclusive economy.
Alison Griffin is a trustee at Colorado Mesa University and senior fellow at Colorado Mountain College. Earlier in her career, she was the higher education policy advisor to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Workforce.