Building Momentum for Colorado's Learners & Businesses: Reflections on 2024 and a Bold Vision for 2025

As I reflect on the year and look to 2025, I’m excited to say there is more momentum than ever before to ensure learners are being set on a path to economic independence – and for our state’s businesses to have the homegrown talent they need to thrive.

After nine years at Succeeds, and as I transition from Chief of Staff to Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, I am more excited and optimistic than ever for this work.

While I’m laser-focused on leading our 2025 Legislative Agenda, I’m also reflecting on all that’s been accomplished in 2024 – much of which was truly years in the making.

2024 Successes

• We supported policymakers and advocates in achieving two of the most impactful policy wins for our state’s learners in Colorado Succeeds history: The rewrite of the School Finance Act to make it more equitable and student-focused and the creation of a Statewide Longitudinal Data System that will enable the state to measure and report on the outcomes of postsecondary and workforce training programs. Both of these policies have the potential to impact all 890,000+ public school students in Colorado, and learners of all ages.
• Championed the Association of General Contractors, Careers in Construction, and the Colorado Community College System in developing an industry-led sector solution for the 40,000 skilled trades jobs in Colorado. Project SCALE is leading the way in supporting quality pathways that bridge K12, work-based learning, apprenticeship, and college degrees.
• Continued to advocate for rural students and businesses through the Homegrown Talent Network and partnerships, including the Work-Based Learning Incentive Program through which Colorado Succeeds disseminated $400,000 directly to 50+ rural employers to increase programming for more than 150 students.
• Collectively helped impact more than 190,000 learners statewide last year through policy and practice partnerships to expand work-based learning, concurrent enrollment, and industry certifications. We’re proving what’s possible when public, private, and nonprofit sectors collaborate.

Colorado Succeeds: Our Focus Areas

In 2025, we will continue to build on these wins, with a focus on simplifying pathways for learners, expanding work-based learning, and ensuring we have access to quality data that will help support outcomes-based funding that prioritizes equity and economic mobility.

Our work in 2025 will be driven by three core priorities that bring businesses, educators, and policymakers together to create lasting change:

The Power of Partnership

This work would not be possible without the leadership of our state partners, business leaders, advocacy organizations, and educators who innovate daily within schools, institutions of higher ed, and training providers. Together, we are breaking down silos and building opportunities for Colorado’s homegrown talent to thrive.

I’m filled with gratitude and passion for the work we do alongside our partners to shape the future of education and workforce development in our state. Colorado is at a critical juncture, and I truly believe the business community has never been more essential to ensuring that every learner has access to high-quality pathways that lead to success in school, work, and life.

A Call to Action for Business Leaders

This moment demands bold leadership. As Colorado business leaders, your expertise and influence are vital to transforming education and workforce systems. Together, we can prepare Colorado learners to thrive in a fast-changing economy and ensure every company has access to the talent they need.

Thank you for standing with us in this critical work.