What We Stand For | Colorado Succeeds

Bolstering Colorado’s Homegrown Talent

Colorado faces a challenging paradox: we have one of the most well-educated workforces in the country, thanks to an influx of imported talent, yet we struggle to cultivate educational systems that help our own children thrive. This opportunity gap points to drastic educational inequities in our state.

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More than 90% of jobs that pay a living wage in Colorado require some sort of postsecondary training.

(SOURCE: 2022 TALENT PIPELINE REPORT)

Yet more than 70% of Colorado high school graduates don’t get a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree within six years.

(Source: CPR News)

In 2022, only 32% of Colorado’s 8th-grade students meet or exceed Colorado’s state standards for math.

(Source: Colorado Department of Education 2022)

Only 36% of Colorado fourth-graders are proficient in reading, causing large disparities at an early age.

(Source: The National Assessment of Educational Progress)

Colorado Succeeds is on a mission to crack this paradox, improve K12 and postsecondary outcomes, strengthen our workforce, and empower a generation of learners to shape their futures. Together with business leaders and policymakers, we’re rewriting the narrative, unleashing the full potential of Colorado’s students, and creating a brighter future for all learners.

Mission

To apply our business expertise, influence, and capital to improve Colorado’s schools.

Vision

All of Colorado’s learners are educated to their greatest potential, and all of Colorado’s businesses have the talented and innovative homegrown workforce they need to thrive.

We have to focus on the foundational policies and programs impacting our learners if we want any chance to grow in Colorado. Colorado Succeeds is a critical partner to Lockheed Martin, in a state where we draw roughly 50% of our workforce each year.
John Heyliger, Colorado Succeeds Board Member & VP Talent Acquisition at Lockheed Martin