Gov. Polis and Colorado's Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced an injection of supplemental performance-based grants into the state's workforce at the Governor's Mansion today. The awards, part of the previous Opportunity Now Colorado grant program, aim to build on the program's past successes in job placement and skill development. As reported by the Colorado Governor's Office, "over 8,274 Coloradans have already found jobs" and this additional funding looks to extend efforts, supporting not just individuals but entire families looking for a stable career path in Colorado's major industries.
Since the inception of the Opportunity Now Colorado grant program, $89.5 million has been awarded across 96 grants. The sectors that have particularly benefited include healthcare, education, and construction; however, they are also eyeing growth in quantum, semiconductors, and clean tech, among others. "These Opportunity Now recipients have a proven track record of placing Coloradans into new jobs and filling jobs in high-priority industries," OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman stated, as per the Colorado Governor's Office. The new funding is set to extend the capabilities of these grantees beyond the original scope of their commitment.
In the most recent round, a total of $1,661,400 has been allotted to the eight previously recognized grantees based on several performance indicators such as job placements, salary increases, and retention rates. The verification for these metrics will be undertaken by the Colorado Evaluation & Action Lab, utilizing data from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to ensure grantees' accountability and effective use of the funds.
