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Career Advance

Zero-Cost Training for In-Demand Jobs!

Career Advance logo imageReady for a Career Change
Take the first step with Trinidad State College and Career Advance Colorado! Thanks to this state program, you can get free training in rewarding fields that move Colorado.

How Does It Work?
Starting in August 2023, students who enroll in these training programs will have their tuition, fees, course materials, and other costs covered:

  • Construction
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Education
  • Law Enforcement
  • Nursing

Get Started Today:

To enroll, you must:

Eligibility Criteria

  • Colorado Resident
  • Good Academic Standing (2.0 grade point average or higher)

Trinidad State Construction imageDetails:

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Overview

  • The Career Advance Colorado program provides free training for in-demand jobs through the state’s 19 community and technical colleges.
  • Students who enroll in qualifying programs will have tuition, fees, course materials, and other costs completely covered while program funding is available.
  • Qualifying programs include construction, education, early childhood education, firefighting, forestry, law enforcement, and nursing.
  • Students must apply for federal and/or state financial aid to enroll in a Career Advance Colorado program. Prospective students should contact their intended community or technical college to discuss program options, financial aid processes, and application steps.
  • Career Advance Colorado builds off the success of the state’s Care Forward Colorado program, which will continue to fully cover student costs for short-term healthcare training programs while program funding exists. 

Background

  • Career Advance Colorado is funded through House Bill 23-1246, which dedicates $38.6 million to fully cover tuition, fees, and course materials costs for training programs in select fields with significant workforce shortages.
  • The bill was signed by Gov. Polis in May 2023 and sponsored by Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Sens. Janet Buckner and Perry Will, and Rep. Rose Pugliese.
  • The program builds on the Care Forward Colorado program, established by Senate Bill 22-226. The Care Forward Colorado program will run concurrently with Career Advance Colorado as program funding is available. 


Care Forward logo imageInterested in More Healthcare Careers?

The state’s Care Forward Colorado program covers costs for short-term healthcare programs at Trinidad State College.
Learn more here!

HSI - Hispanic-Serving Institution image

Trinidad State is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)
HSI is defined in federal law (the Higher Education Opportunity Act, Title V, 2008) as an accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institution of higher education with 25% or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment.