2025 Mid-Session Update

At the start of 2025, Colorado Succeeds identified three key goals to guide both our policy and implementation efforts — all aimed at ensuring students and our workforce are prepared to thrive:

1. Equip learners and business leaders with data and information about the effectiveness of education and training pathways
2. Ensure more students, regardless of zip code or race and ethnicity, have access to high-quality pathways that lead to living-wage careers
3. Enhance employer engagement and alignment to create cohesive, sustainable pathways that meet workforce needs

With the 2025 Colorado legislative session halfway complete, we’re sharing the latest from the state Capitol — plus, what’s ahead as key proposals continue to take shape.

1. Equip learners and business leaders with data and information about the effectiveness of education and training pathways

This year, momentum continues to grow around improving access to clear, outcomes-based data on education and workforce pathways.

Colorado Succeeds is currently monitoring House Bill 25-1278, Education Accountability System, which if passed, would make important updates to how Colorado evaluates school performance. Notably, the bill strengthens the postsecondary and workforce readiness indicator by adding two new sub-indicators: one focused on college and career readiness before graduation, and another tracking postsecondary progress after graduation. These changes represent a positive step toward a more holistic, outcomes-focused accountability system that better reflects whether students are truly prepared to succeed beyond high school. The bill will continue to be negotiated as the fiscal note for implementation will pose a challenge for passage.

Currently awaiting hearing in the Appropriations Committee, we’re supporting House Bill 25-1038, Postsecondary Credit Transfer Website. This bill would require the Colorado Department of Higher Education to develop a free, public online platform that shows how academic credits, work-based experiences, and prior learning transfer across the state’s public colleges and universities. This tool would improve transparency and support students in navigating pathways that save time and money.

Colorado Succeeds is also continuing our work as a part of the Better Data for Better Decisions Coalition, advocating for the implementation of a statewide longitudinal data system that can better inform students, families, educators, and employers. A major milestone was reached this month with the state’s release of a request for proposals to build the new data system infrastructure.

2. Ensure more students, regardless of zip code or race and ethnicity, have access to high-quality pathways that lead to living-wage careers

Expanding access to high-quality pathways that lead to postsecondary and career success is essential to ensuring every learner has a real opportunity to thrive. This session, Colorado Succeeds is supporting legislative and implementation efforts to turn that vision into reality.

Colorado Succeeds remains optimistic that continued work on streamlining and strengthening Colorado’s Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) ecosystem—making it easier for high school students to access opportunities like dual enrollment, industry-recognized credentials, and work-based learning will be prioritized before the end of session. The Colorado State Board of Education directed CDE legislative staff to engage proactively in aligning the various grant programs aimed at PWR into a single funding source. Joint Budget Committee members moved forward with consolidation efforts and will review a bill draft in the coming weeks. The outcomes-based PWR fund will focus on supporting districts who are providing postsecondary and workforce readiness experiences through a streamlined fund.

Several other bills this session align with this priority. House Bill 25-1186, Work-Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education, would establish a pilot program to expand work-based learning opportunities across Colorado’s colleges and universities. The bill calls for the creation of a consortium that will share best practices, inform policy recommendations, and ultimately connect more students with real-world experiences aligned to workforce needs.

Another key effort is House Bill 25-1192, Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement, which would add the completion of a financial literacy course as a high school graduation requirement. The bill would also embed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Colorado application for state financial aid submission in the state’s Individuals Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) – allowing for explicit opt-out opportunities. Both provisions are aimed at helping students acquire critical skills to make more informed financial decisions and access the resources needed to pursue postsecondary opportunities.

Additionally, House Bill 25-1221, Emily Griffith Associate of Applied Science Degree, would allow Emily Griffith Technical College to offer an Associate of Applied Science degree. The degree program would include a registered apprenticeship and transferable general education courses, expanding affordable and career-relevant postsecondary options that align directly with workforce needs. This bill aligns closely with Project SCALE partner’s vision to more fully integrate work-based learning, apprenticeships, and degree pathways so that learners can move between experiences and into career opportunities and advanced degrees.

3. Enhance employer engagement and alignment to create cohesive, sustainable pathways that meet workforce needs

Colorado is taking a major step forward in elevating employer leadership in workforce development through the Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summits, a series of convenings launched this spring to address talent shortages across key industries. Established by House Bill 24-1365 and hosted by the Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) in partnership with local intermediaries, the summits are bringing together employers, educators, and policymakers to shape regional workforce plans tailored to local economic needs.

Colorado Succeeds is proud to support this effort and is working to ensure that employer voice remains central in building education-to-employment pathways. By putting business leaders at the center of workforce solutions, these summits represent a shift toward more sustainable, industry-aligned talent development strategies. Learn more about the summits and what’s ahead on The Sum & Substance.