Expanding Work-Based Learning in Colorado’s Higher Education System
A new pilot program will support colleges and universities in building more high-quality, real-world learning opportunities that connect students to career success.
Work-based learning is a proven strategy for helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world environments and is increasingly becoming more important in both the K-12 and postsecondary experiences.
The Work-Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education (HB 25-1186) bill by Representatives Lukens and Martinez, aims to strengthen the connection between higher education and workforce readiness by developing a pilot program to integrate work-based learning—like internships and apprenticeships—into Colorado’s colleges and universities. By doing so, the bill prioritizes intentional partnerships between higher education and employers in Colorado to improve student outcomes, better meet workforce needs, and strengthen our workforce talent pipeline.
What This Legislation Does
The policy creates a three-year Work-Based Learning Consortium Pilot Program under the Colorado Department of Higher Education. The goal of the program is to explore, test, and scale innovative approaches to embedding work-based learning into college degree programs.
This initiative brings together representatives from public colleges and universities to identify best practices, align academic programs with workforce needs, and advise on future policy. The bill also allows state funds to support credit-bearing work-based learning, removing financial barriers for students. After three years, the consortium will deliver a report with recommendations for scaling the approach statewide.
The policy allows the Department of Higher Education to seek philanthropic partnership to help develop the consortia pilot program.
Why This Matters
Work-based learning is a critical tool for improving postsecondary student outcomes and preparing Colorado’s future workforce. As more consumers question the value of higher ed and more employers seek job-ready talent, this bill embeds real-world experience into degree programs, producing graduates who are skilled, connected, and ready to contribute.
2025 Legislative Spotlight Series: Highlighting key education and workforce policies passed this session
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