Work Force Development

C.R.S. tit. 24, art. 46.3
in effect

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-101 State work force development council - creation - membership - funding through gifts, grants, and donations

24-46.3-101. State work force development council - creation - membership - funding through gifts, grants, and donations. (1) There is created in the department of labor and employment, referred to in this article 46.3 as the "department", the state work force development council, referred to in this article 46.3 as the "state council". The state council is a type 2 entity, as defined in section 24-1-105. The state council is established as a state work force development board in accordance with the federal "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act", 29 U.S.C. sec. 3101 et seq., as amended, referred to in this article 46.3 as the "federal act". (2) Membership of the state council must include: (a) The governor; (b) Two members of the house of representatives from different political parties one appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and one appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; and two members of the senate from different political parties, one appointed by the president of the senate and one appointed by the minority leader of the senate; (c) Representatives of business in the state, appointed by the governor, who are: (I) Owners of businesses, chief executives or operating officers of businesses, and other business executives or employers with optimum policy-making or hiring authority, including members of local work force investment boards as specified in part 2 of article 83 of title 8, C.R.S.; (II) Representatives of businesses with employment opportunities that reflect the employment opportunities in the state; (III) Representatives that are appointed from among individuals nominated by state business organizations and business trade associations; (d) Other members appointed by the governor, who are: (I) Local elected officials; (II) Representatives of labor organizations, nominated by state labor federations; (III) Representatives of organizations and individuals that have experience with respect to youth activities; (IV) Representatives of organizations and individuals that have experience and expertise in the delivery of work force investment activities, including chief executive officers of community colleges, area technical colleges, and community-based organizations in the state; (V) The lead state agency officials with responsibility for the programs and activities authorized in the federal act for the establishment of one-stop systems and carried out by the partners at the one-stop career centers. If no lead state agency official has responsibility for such programs or activities, membership shall include a representative in the state with expertise relating to such programs or activities. (VI) Such other representatives as the governor may designate, including persons with disabilities who can represent statewide cross-disability issues, which may include nonvoting members. (3) For the purposes of determining a conflict of interest by any member of the state council, a member of the state council may not vote on matters under consideration by the state council regarding the provision of services by such member that would provide direct financial benefit to such member or the immediate family of such member, or engage in any other activity determined by the governor to constitute a conflict of interest as specified in the state plan. (4) Members of the state council that represent organizations, agencies, or other entities shall be individuals with optimum policy-making authority within such organizations, agencies, or entities. The members of the state council shall represent diverse regions of the state, including urban, rural, and suburban areas. (5) A majority of the voting members of the state council shall be representatives of business as described in paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of this section. The governor shall appoint a chairperson of the state council from one of the representatives of business as described in said paragraph (c). council shall represent diverse regions of the state, including urban, rural, and suburban areas. (5) A majority of the voting members of the state council shall be representatives of business as described in paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of this section. The governor shall appoint a chairperson of the state council from one of the representatives of business as described in said paragraph (c). (6) In order to create a small-voting-member state council consistent with the requirements of the federal act, state council members may be appointed to satisfy more than one of the membership categories specified in the federal act for the state work force development board. (7) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (7), the voting state council members that are members of the general assembly shall serve at the pleasure of the speaker of the house of representatives and president of the senate and shall continue in office until the member's successor is appointed. Lead state agency officials and nonvoting members shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. All other members shall initially serve for staggered terms of one, two, and three years, as designated by the governor upon their appointment. (b) The terms of the members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate and who are serving on March 22, 2007, shall be extended to and expire on or shall terminate on the convening date of the first regular session of the sixty-seventh general assembly. As soon as practicable after such convening date, the speaker and the president shall appoint or reappoint members in the same manner as provided in paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of this section. Thereafter, the terms of the members appointed or reappointed by the speaker and the president shall expire on the convening date of the first regular session of each general assembly, and all subsequent appointments and reappointments by the speaker and the president shall be made as soon as practicable after such convening date. The person making the original appointment or reappointment shall fill any vacancy by appointment for the remainder of an unexpired term. (8) The staff of the department, in consultation with the state council and governor, shall establish an annual budget for basic state council functions, activities, meetings, travel, per diem, reports, and staff. Funding for the state council's budget shall come from a portion of the administrative money available to the mandatory and additional federal partner programs specified in 29 U.S.C. sec. 3151 (b)(1) and (b)(2). The amount of the administrative money from each mandatory and additional federal partner program to be transferred to the state council shall be determined by the office of state planning and budgeting, proportionate to the annual federal partner program or activity grant amounts to the state and appropriated by the general assembly. In addition to the federal partner programs grant funding, the state council shall seek other federal, state, and private grants, gifts, and donations to fund state council special duties, demonstration projects, and initiatives. (9) The members of the state council appointed pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of this section are entitled to receive compensation and reimbursement of expenses as provided in section 2-2-326, C.R.S. (10) The state council is authorized to seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from private or public sources for the purposes of this article 46.3; except that the state council may not accept a gift, grant, or donation that is subject to conditions that are inconsistent with this article 46.3 or any other law of the state. (11) and (12) Repealed. (13) The general assembly may appropriate money from the general fund or from any other available source to the state council for the purposes of the state council specified in this part 1.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-102 Transfer of functions

24-46.3-102. Transfer of functions. (1) The staff of the department shall, on and after July 1, 2008, execute, administer, perform, and enforce the rights, powers, duties, functions, and obligations vested in the office of work force development prior to said date concerning the duties and functions transferred to the staff of the department pursuant to this section. (2) (a) On and after July 1, 2008, the officers and employees of the office of work force development prior to said date whose duties and functions concerned the duties and functions transferred to the staff of the department pursuant to this section shall be transferred to the department. (b) Any such employees who are classified employees in the state personnel system shall retain all rights to the personnel system and retirement benefits pursuant to the laws of this state, and their services shall be deemed to have been continuous. All transfers and any abolishment of positions in the state personnel system shall be made and processed in accordance with state personnel system laws and regulations. (3) On July 1, 2008, all items of property, real and personal, including office furniture and fixtures, books, documents, and records of the office of work force development prior to said date pertaining to the duties and functions transferred to the staff of the department pursuant to this section, are transferred to the department and become the property thereof. (4) Whenever the office of work force development is referred to or designated by a contract or other document in connection with the duties and functions transferred to the staff of the department pursuant to this article, such reference or designation shall be deemed to apply to the department. All contracts entered into by the office of work force development prior to July 1, 2008, in connection with the duties and functions transferred to the staff of the department pursuant to this section are hereby validated, with the department succeeding to all the rights and obligations of such contracts. Any appropriations of funds from prior fiscal years open to satisfy obligations incurred pursuant to such contracts are hereby transferred and appropriated to the department for the payment of such obligations.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-103 Key industries talent pipeline working group

24-46.3-103. Key industries talent pipeline working group. (1) (a) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that: (I) Colorado's economy is diverse and constantly changing and its key industries are dependent on an accurately skilled workforce to continue to thrive; (II) Colorado's key industry employers continue to lack the skilled workers they need to stay and grow in the state; (III) Coloradans miss opportunities for good jobs in growing industries because they do not have access to the right education, training, or adequate hands-on experience at the right time to secure employment; (IV) Providing clear access to industry-driven career pathways for education and employment advancement can result in long-term improvements in the economic well-being of Coloradans and will provide industries with the talent pipeline needed to thrive now and in the future; (V) Creating a coordinated system to advance the skills and educational attainment of Coloradans across workforce development and education, in alignment with economic development goals, and in partnership with industry is the most promising way to advance Coloradans and supply industry with the talent it demands; (VI) Deep, authentic, and ongoing employer engagement and input is critical to ensure that education and training programs are aligned with the real and current needs of industry; and (VII) Sector partnerships are a proven, established model of engaging employers and coordinating workforce development, economic development, and education in response to the needs of industry and on behalf of workers seeking good jobs. (b) The general assembly further finds, determines, and declares that it will be beneficial to create a working group with the state council comprised of representatives from the relevant state departments and offices to discuss and determine the most effective way to use sector partnerships at the regional level to align workforce development, economic development, and education in the state to the needs of key industries. (2) The state council, the department of higher education, the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and the Colorado office of economic development shall work collaboratively to: (a) Discuss and determine needs across key industries and occupations including challenges and opportunities in developing and growing relevant talent pipelines; (b) Ensure that the talent pipeline development infrastructure includes: (I) A listening process to collect workforce needs for key industries' employers; (II) Curriculum alignment for high-demand occupation skill needs; (III) Occupation-aligned education and training options with a clearly articulated progression; (IV) Skills assessments; and (V) Academic career counseling; (c) Utilize sector partnerships to: (I) Advise the development of career pathway programs for critical occupations in key industries; and (II) Ensure the coordination of education and workforce initiatives to develop a strong talent pipeline; and cupation-aligned education and training options with a clearly articulated progression; (IV) Skills assessments; and (V) Academic career counseling; (c) Utilize sector partnerships to: (I) Advise the development of career pathway programs for critical occupations in key industries; and (II) Ensure the coordination of education and workforce initiatives to develop a strong talent pipeline; and (d) Utilize existing measures and data systems to improve systems alignment and inter-agency communication. (3) (a) In doing the work specified in subsection (2) of this section, the state council, in partnership with the department of higher education, the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and the Colorado office of economic development, shall coordinate the production of an annual Colorado talent report. In preparing the annual Colorado talent report, the state council, the departments, and the office may use previously collected data and are not required to collect new data for the purposes of the report. The talent report shall: (I) Take into consideration the data contained in the annual job skills report produced by the department of higher education and use such data to inform workforce development issues across key industries; (II) Utilize state-level data generated from state-level sources whenever possible; (III) Utilize and, as appropriate, expand existing data-sharing agreements between agencies and partners; (IV) Provide a progress report on the status of career pathway programs targeted at key industries; (V) Provide an analysis of data regarding the skills required for key industry jobs; (VI) Include recommendations related to advancing talent pipeline and career pathways development; (VII) Include recommendations regarding the alignment and consistency of data nomenclature, collection practices, and data-sharing. The recommendations shall not allow the disclosure of the personally identifiable information of a student enrolled in kindergarten or one of grades one through twelve without informed written permission from the student's parent or legal guardian. The recommendations may disclose de-identified, anonymous, or aggregate kindergarten-through-twelfth-grade student data without permission from a parent or legal guardian. (VIII) Repealed. (IX) Include the report regarding the industry infrastructure grant program, prepared as required by section 24-46.3-405. (b) The heads of the department of higher education, the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and the Colorado office of economic development shall include the recommendations from the state council, and any comments they may wish to add concerning the recommendations, to the house of representatives and senate committees of reference with jurisdiction over business issues by January 1, 2015. The heads of the departments shall annually present such recommendations and comments during the legislative hearings required pursuant to the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act", part 2 of article 7 of title 2, C.R.S.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-104 Career pathways - design - legislative declaration - definitions

24-46.3-104. Career pathways - design - legislative declaration - definitions. (1) The general assembly hereby finds that creating industry-driven career pathways for education assists students in entering the work force and provides industries with the talent pipeline necessary to fuel Colorado's economy. Recognizing the need for the coordinated development of career pathways for students, the general assembly enacted section 24-46.3-103 in 2014, tasking the state council to work collaboratively with the department of higher education, the department of education, the department of labor and employment, and the Colorado office of economic development to create the talent pipeline development infrastructure for use in creating career pathways for students. Creating career pathways for growing Colorado industries with occupations in high demand will: (a) Increase the number of Colorado citizens accessing postsecondary education and apprenticeships; (b) Increase the number of Colorado citizens completing degrees, apprenticeships, and other credentials; (c) Decrease the need for remediation at the postsecondary level; (d) Increase entry into employment and increase wages over time; (e) Create better transitions for students in the career pathways from high school, community colleges, or adult education programs to apprenticeships, higher education, or into the work force; (f) Create better connections between postsecondary and work force readiness initiatives in high school and adult work force programs; and (g) Through partnerships with industry, assist students in obtaining work experience and employment during and after participation in educational programs. (2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) "Apprenticeship" means a registered apprenticeship program with a written plan that is designed to move an apprentice from a low- or no-skill entry-level position to full occupational proficiency. The program must comply with the parameters established under the "National Apprenticeship Act", 29 U.S.C. sec. 50, as amended, and regulations promulgated under the act, and must be administered by the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by the United States department of labor. An individual business, an employer association, or a labor organization sponsors a registered apprenticeship. Upon finishing a training program, the apprentice earns a "completion of registered apprenticeship" certificate, which is an industry-issued and nationally recognized credential that validates proficiency in an apprenticeable occupation, or is awarded a certificate of completion. (b) "Career pathway" means a series of connected education and training strategies and support services that enable individuals to secure industry-relevant skills and certification where applicable, to obtain employment within an occupational area, and to advance to higher levels of future education and employment. (b.5) "Certificate of completion" means a certificate awarded to an apprentice in recognition of the successful completion of an apprenticeship program. (c) "Critical occupations" means top jobs or employment in jobs that lead to top jobs. (d) "Growing industries" means industries that are projected to create new jobs annually for at least the next ten years. (e) "Partners" means, at a minimum, state agencies and organizations described in section 24-46.3-103, the state board for community colleges and occupational education created in section 23-60-104, C.R.S., and interested postsecondary education providers. (f) "State council" means the Colorado work force development council created in section 24-46.3-101. nually for at least the next ten years. (e) "Partners" means, at a minimum, state agencies and organizations described in section 24-46.3-103, the state board for community colleges and occupational education created in section 23-60-104, C.R.S., and interested postsecondary education providers. (f) "State council" means the Colorado work force development council created in section 24-46.3-101. (g) "Top jobs" means jobs that have strong projected average openings per year for ten years and pay a living wage as defined in the Colorado talent pipeline report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103. (3) (a) The state council, in collaboration with its partners and after consulting with local work force boards, and a task force within the department of education consisting of leadership from the department of education and superintendents of local school districts, shall design integrated career pathways for students within industry sectors identified in the annual Colorado talent report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 that are growing industries and that have critical occupations that are without clearly articulated career pathways. (b) (I) In collaboration with its partners pursuant to subsection (3)(a) of this section, the state council shall: (A) Design at least one career pathway that is ready for implementation by or before the 2016-17 academic year for critical occupations in a growing industry; and (B) Subject to available appropriation or money from other sources, design at least two career pathways that are ready for implementation at the beginning of each subsequent academic year for critical occupations in growing industries. (II) Based on the top jobs listing in the talent pipeline report prepared in January 2014, the first three growing industries for design of a career pathway are construction and related skilled trades, information technology, and health care. (c) Industry, through regional sector partnerships, and statewide trade associations shall review each career pathway annually to ensure that the career pathway remains relevant to the industry and shall provide input for ongoing adjustments to the career pathway to meet work force needs. (d) Career pathways designed pursuant to this section shall include: (I) Apprenticeship and other work-based learning options when relevant to the career pathway and available in the state; (II) Direct alignment with postsecondary and work force readiness and individual career and academic plans in high schools. The department of education and local school districts through postsecondary and work force readiness coordinators shall partner with the state council to achieve the alignment. (III) Initiatives for adult and out-of-school youth when relevant to the career pathway and available. (4) In designing career pathways, the state council shall: (a) Coordinate the career pathway work group made up of all partners' subject matter experts to ensure that career pathways are comprehensive and integrated across secondary, postsecondary, work force, and industry education and training programs and to ensure that all partners are engaged in the design of the career pathways; and lable. (4) In designing career pathways, the state council shall: (a) Coordinate the career pathway work group made up of all partners' subject matter experts to ensure that career pathways are comprehensive and integrated across secondary, postsecondary, work force, and industry education and training programs and to ensure that all partners are engaged in the design of the career pathways; and (b) Use the sector partnership model and relationships with statewide trade associations to ensure that all career pathways are industry driven and relevant. A career pathway shall not be designed without active industry engagement throughout the process, from the beginning of the process through the final career pathway that is ready for implementation. (5) The state council and partners shall use the model developed to create the manufacturing career pathway pursuant to section 23-60-1003, C.R.S., including any improvements to the model based upon the implementation of the manufacturing career pathway. Consistent with the manufacturing career pathway, career pathways created pursuant to this section must have the components described in section 23-60-1003 (2), C.R.S., as they relate to the specific career pathway being created. (5.5) (a) As used in this subsection (5.5), "energy sector" means current and emerging establishments and partnerships engaged in electromechanical generation and maintenance, electrical energy transmission and distribution, energy efficiency and environmental technology, and renewable energy production. The energy sector includes but is not limited to occupations and activities relating to the development, installation, and maintenance of products or technologies in the areas of carbon capture, energy storage, building electrification, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and renewable natural gas. (b) The state council and partners, including the department of natural resources, shall create an industry-driven energy sector career pathway for implementation by or before the 2022-23 academic year. The state council shall comply with the provisions of this section, including career pathway design, components, implementation, industry review, and promotion of the energy sector career pathway. (c) The strengthening photovoltaic and renewable careers (SPARC) workforce development program, created in part 5 of this article 46.3, shall provide money and other supports for in-demand and growing occupations in the energy sector career pathway created pursuant to this subsection (5.5). (6) Once a career pathway is completed pursuant to this section, the state council shall facilitate outreach and training related to advising students on the career pathways for all partners involved in implementing the career pathway, as well as other local, regional, or state entities that are interested in promoting the career pathway to students. (7) (a) Once a career pathway is completed pursuant to this section, the state council shall, subject to available appropriation or money from other sources, collaborate with the department of higher education and the department of labor and employment to create a microsite concerning the career pathway on a state-provided, free online resource. At a minimum, the following information must be included: (I) Industry-sector career awareness; (II) Salary and wage information for the industry-sector career; (III) The industry-sector employment forecast; (IV) Information on programs within the career pathway, services provided, and financial aid opportunities for students; and (V) Online student support services. (b) The state council may use money appropriated by the general assembly pursuant to section 24-46.3-101 (13) or money from any other source to add additional information and tools to a career pathways microsite, similar to the information and tools provided in the microsite relating to the manufacturing career pathway.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-105 Innovative industries workforce development program - legislative declaration - definitions - appropriation - repeal

24-46.3-105. Innovative industries workforce development program - legislative declaration - definitions - appropriation - repeal. (Repealed)

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-106 Career - education - training - planning and exploration - online platform - report - repeal

24-46.3-106. Career - education - training - planning and exploration - online platform - report - repeal. (1) Subject to available appropriations or money from other sources, the state council, in collaboration with the department of higher education, the department of labor and employment, and the department of human services, shall implement and maintain a free online platform to provide Coloradans with personalized information to assist them in making career and education planning decisions. The online platform shall promote career, education, and training exploration and planning and shall provide tools, resources, and information to assist in such exploration and planning. The state council, the department of higher education, the department of labor and employment, the department of human services, and other state agencies may conduct outreach and training for the individuals who provide career counseling and for the public to promote awareness of the online platform. (2) The state council may receive money from other state agencies for the purposes of implementing and maintaining the platform. The general assembly may appropriate money received from other state agencies, from the general fund, or from any other available source to the state council for the purpose of implementing and maintaining the free online platform. In addition, the state council, in collaboration with any other state agency, may solicit, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and donations for the purposes of this section. (3) The state council may transfer any money appropriated by the general assembly for the purposes of this section to the department of higher education for the purpose of implementing and maintaining the online platform, disseminating information regarding the online platform, and providing training about the online platform, pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. (4) The governor's office of information technology, created in section 24-37.5-103, shall ensure that the online platform implemented and maintained pursuant to subsection (1) of this section complies with state and federal information technology security, privacy, and other information technology requirements and standards. To ensure such compliance, the governor's office of information technology shall ensure that the contract for the online platform includes a requirement that, within two years of the effective date of this section, the vendor conduct an external security assessment that complies with the office's requirements and standards and that the assessment and remediation plan be shared with the office. The governor's office of information technology may conduct or cause to be conducted subsequent security assessments as deemed necessary by the office to ensure compliance with state and federal security and privacy requirements and standards. (5) The state auditor may, in his or her discretion, conduct an audit or assessment of the online platform and of the administration and maintenance of the platform by the state council, the department of higher education, the department of human services, any other state agency, and any contractor involved in the implementation and maintenance of the platform. The audit may include an assessment of information technology security and data privacy in connection with the platform. (6) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 24-1-136 (11), on or before January 1, 2021, and on or before January 1 each year thereafter, the state council shall prepare a report regarding the online platform created pursuant to this section. The state council shall include the report in the annual Colorado talent report required pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3)(a). The report shall include: (a) The total number of unique users of the platform; (b) The percentages of users of the platform who are new and returning users; after, the state council shall prepare a report regarding the online platform created pursuant to this section. The state council shall include the report in the annual Colorado talent report required pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3)(a). The report shall include: (a) The total number of unique users of the platform; (b) The percentages of users of the platform who are new and returning users; (c) Data on the trainings held for users of the platform, the number of participants in the trainings, and the outreach activities undertaken to inform people of the platform and the trainings; (d) The number of users on the platform who provide educational and career counseling and related services; and (e) Any other measurable outcomes the state council deems appropriate. (7) Before February 15, 2025, the joint technology committee shall assess the impact, effectiveness, and compliance with state and federal information technology requirements and standards of the online platform and shall make a recommendation to the general assembly regarding whether to continue the online platform implemented and maintained pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. (8) This section is repealed, effective June 30, 2025.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-201 Legislative declaration

24-46.3-201. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the hospitality industry: (a) Plays a vital role in Colorado's economy; (b) Is diverse, with employers throughout the state; (c) Employs more than two hundred forty thousand people in Colorado; (d) Produces more than ten billion dollars in annual sales in Colorado; (e) Creates sales that generate more than six hundred million dollars in state and local taxes annually; and (f) Is an essential element of Colorado's economy. (2) Therefore, the general assembly finds and declares that developing a hospitality career secondary education grant program for Colorado citizens will: (a) Increase the number of Colorado citizens accessing postsecondary education; (b) Increase the number of Colorado citizens completing degrees and other credentials; (c) Decrease the need for remediation at the postsecondary level; (d) Increase entry into employment and increase wages over time; and (e) Create better transitions in educational programs for students in the hospitality career pathway from high school to college.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-202 Definitions

24-46.3-202. Definitions. As used in this part 2, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Department" means the department of labor and employment created in section 24-1-121. (2) "Fund" means the hospitality career secondary education fund created in section 24-46.3-204. (3) "Grant program" means the hospitality career secondary education grant program established in section 24-46.3-203. (4) "Hospitality industry" means Colorado restaurants, hotels, and attractions. (5) "Hospitality program" means a hospitality secondary education program that, at a minimum: (a) Includes a curriculum that teaches career- and college-readiness skills that are pertinent to the hospitality industry; (b) Offers secondary-level students the opportunity to work in the hospitality industry and earn wages while in the program; (c) Offers hospitality industry-validated certificates of completion; (d) Is approved by the office in the Colorado community college system that administers high school career and technical education programs for use in Colorado high schools; (e) Has been administered in at least one Colorado high school for a minimum of three years; (f) Is endorsed and supported by at least one Colorado and one national hospitality trade association; and (g) Upon successful completion, will result in the issuance of a certificate to the student that articulates credits for postsecondary education.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-203 Hospitality career secondary education grant program - established

24-46.3-203. Hospitality career secondary education grant program - established. (1) There is established in the department the hospitality career secondary education grant program. The purpose of the grant program is to accelerate growth and improve and expand the development of hospitality programs. The department shall administer the grant program through the acceptance and review of applications submitted pursuant to this section and the awarding of grants. The department shall develop application guidelines and establish deadlines for the grant program. (2) The department shall award the first grants of the grant program for the 2015-16 academic year, so long as moneys are appropriated to the cash fund created for implementation of the grant program. Grants must be awarded annually thereafter, based on available appropriations. (3) A hospitality program may apply for a grant from the grant program based on the guidelines and deadlines established by the department in subsection (1) of this section. To be eligible for a grant, a hospitality program shall include, at a minimum, the following information in its application: (a) A description of how the grant will be used; (b) A description of the hospitality program, including the number of years it has been in operation and the high schools in which it has been implemented; (c) A nonduplicative, clearly articulated course progression from one level of instruction to the next; (d) A description of the available opportunities for students to earn postsecondary credit; (e) Verification of industry-validated credentials; (f) Demonstration of partnerships with hospitality industry members where students have the opportunity to earn income; and (g) Verification that the hospitality program aligns with established Colorado academic standards. (4) The department shall disperse all of the moneys appropriated in a given year to the fund to applicants that are approved for a hospitality secondary education grant.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-204 Hospitality career secondary education fund - creation

24-46.3-204. Hospitality career secondary education fund - creation. (1) There is created in the state treasury the hospitality secondary education fund, consisting of any moneys that may be appropriated to the fund by the general assembly. The moneys in the fund are subject to annual appropriation by the general assembly to the department for the direct and indirect costs associated with implementing this part 2. The state treasurer may invest any moneys in the fund not expended for the purpose of this part 2 as provided by law. The state treasurer shall credit all interest and income derived from the investment and deposit of moneys in the fund to the fund. (2) The department may expend up to two percent of the moneys annually appropriated from the fund to offset the costs incurred in implementing this part 2. (3) Any unexpended and unencumbered moneys remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year remain in the fund and shall not be credited or transferred to the general fund or another fund.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-301 Definitions

24-46.3-301. Definitions. As used in this part 3, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Apprenticeship program" means a Colorado-based apprenticeship training program that is registered with the office of apprenticeship in the United States department of labor or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by the United States department of labor. (2) "Area technical college" has the same meaning as provided in section 23-60-103, C.R.S. (3) "College preparation program" means a program provided by a nonprofit organization to assist students in preparing for and succeeding in postsecondary programs. (4) "Community college" means an institution that is included in the state system of community and technical colleges pursuant to section 23-60-205, C.R.S., Colorado mountain college, and Aims community college. (5) "Local education provider" means a school district organized and existing as provided by law, a board of cooperative services created pursuant to article 5 of title 22, C.R.S., the state charter school institute established in section 22-30.5-503, C.R.S., a charter school authorized by a school district pursuant to part 1 of article 30.5 of title 22, C.R.S., or an institute charter school authorized by the state charter school institute pursuant to part 5 of article 30.5 of title 22, C.R.S. (6) "Postsecondary and workforce readiness" means the knowledge and skills that a student should have attained before or upon attaining a high school diploma, as adopted by the state board of education and the Colorado commission on higher education pursuant to section 22-7-1008, C.R.S. (7) "Statewide coordinator" means the postsecondary and workforce readiness statewide coordinator whose position is created in section 24-46.3-302.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-302 Postsecondary and work force readiness statewide coordinator - position created - duties

24-46.3-302. Postsecondary and work force readiness statewide coordinator - position created - duties. (1) (a) There is created the position of postsecondary and work force readiness statewide coordinator to work under the direction of the state work force development council. The statewide coordinator works with and helps to coordinate the efforts of local education providers, businesses, industry, area technical colleges, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, the department of education, the work force development council, the career and technical education division within the Colorado community college system, the department of higher education, college preparation programs, and other appropriate entities to raise the level of postsecondary and work force readiness that Colorado high school graduates achieve, especially with regard to readiness upon high school graduation for skilled career positions in business and industry. (b) The executive committee of the state work force development council shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the commissioner of education as necessary to enable the statewide coordinator to collaborate with the office of postsecondary readiness and other appropriate offices and divisions within the department of education in implementing initiatives to increase the level of postsecondary and work force readiness that high school graduates achieve. (2) (a) The statewide coordinator shall assist local education providers in: (I) Developing and implementing initiatives to increase the level of postsecondary and work force readiness that high school graduates achieve, which may include but need not be limited to specialized, industry-based curricula and programs; apprenticeship programs; and internships and externships; (II) Implementing concurrent enrollment programs as provided in article 35 of title 22, C.R.S., and in entering into concurrent enrollment agreements with area technical colleges, community colleges, and four-year institutions of higher education; (III) Identifying local industry and work force needs and existing educational tools, programs, and resources to help prepare middle and high school students to meet those needs upon graduating from high school; (IV) Working with state and federal programs that provide career and work force development opportunities for students enrolled in middle and high school and in accessing any state or federal moneys that are available to local education providers to support and implement the programs; (V) Promoting opportunities for industry to engage in the classroom with students enrolled in grades six through twelve; (VI) Engaging students with the manufacturing career pathway created pursuant to section 23-60-1003, C.R.S.; and (VII) Developing partnerships with businesses, industry, unions, area technical colleges, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and other entities to create opportunities for students to participate in educational and training programs that lead to obtaining a career entry-level credential. (b) The statewide coordinator shall collaborate with the department of education, the department of higher education, and the Colorado community college system to develop and maintain a set of electronic tools and a network of statewide support to provide guidance for local education providers in providing work force readiness programs and initiatives.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-303 Annual report

24-46.3-303. Annual report. The state work force development council and the department of education shall annually review the work of the statewide coordinator in implementing the duties described in section 24-46.3-302. The state work force development council shall include a summary of the review in the Colorado talent report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3).

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-501 Legislative declaration

24-46.3-501. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that: (a) The state workforce development council selected energy as a target industry for career pathway systems development; (b) The selection of energy as a target industry for career pathway systems development is in alignment with the statewide goal to position Colorado as a leader in the clean energy economy by setting a path to reach one hundred percent renewable energy for the electric grid by 2040; (c) The federal government has indicated its intent to take aggressive action on climate change by rejoining the Paris climate agreement, achieving a carbon-pollution-free power sector by 2035, and ensuring the United States is on a path to a net-zero economy by 2050; (d) In passing House Bill 19-1261, the general assembly established statewide, science-based greenhouse gas emissions reductions goals of at least twenty-six percent by 2025, fifty percent by 2030, and ninety percent by 2050, of emissions levels from 2005; (e) The Colorado energy office, Colorado department of public health and environment, Colorado department of transportation, Colorado department of natural resources, and Colorado department of agriculture released the "Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap" in January of 2021 to establish a statewide strategy for each sector to meet the greenhouse gas reduction targets specified in House Bill 19-1261; (f) The Colorado energy office released the "Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan 2020" to guide a large-scale transition of the state's transportation system to zero-emission vehicles, including a goal of nine hundred forty thousand electric vehicles on our roads by 2030 and nearly one hundred percent of all vehicles by 2050; (g) The Colorado air quality control commission adopted the zero-emission vehicle rule, establishing the Colorado zero-emission vehicle program to increase the availability of electric vehicles in the state, which will require additional investment in electric vehicle charging systems; (h) Additionally, more than fifty local jurisdictions throughout the state have adopted the 2018 international energy conservation code to help existing buildings adapt to new technologies and improve energy efficiencies in new construction; (i) These federal and state commitments to address the climate crisis will lead to significant investments in the energy sector, which will require a diverse and well-trained workforce; (j) Further, launching regional energy partnerships will create a foundation of strong industry leadership, collaboration, and investment to support an industry-driven energy sector career pathway; (k) In 2019, there were sixty-two thousand four hundred twenty full-time clean energy employees in Colorado. Between 2014 and 2019 there was a fifteen percent growth in all energy jobs in Colorado, and these jobs are projected to grow another nine percent from 2019 to 2024. (l) The state median hourly earnings for clean energy occupations in Colorado provides an above-average living wage; (m) Money to provide training under the SPARC program should prioritize individuals directly impacted by job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic or due to an industry decline since January 1, 2019; (n) Further, Black communities, indigenous communities, communities of color, and low-income communities have endured the environmental impacts of polluting industries within their communities for many years; and to provide training under the SPARC program should prioritize individuals directly impacted by job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic or due to an industry decline since January 1, 2019; (n) Further, Black communities, indigenous communities, communities of color, and low-income communities have endured the environmental impacts of polluting industries within their communities for many years; and (o) Therefore, while Colorado begins to work toward equity and environmental justice, these populations and communities should be prioritized for training within the energy sector career pathway. (2) Therefore, the general assembly declares that the creation of an industry-driven energy sector career pathway pursuant to section 24-46.3-104, implemented and supported through the SPARC program created in this part 5, is a significant step toward establishing Colorado as a leader in the clean energy economy, providing high-quality education and training, creating high-paying jobs, and protecting Colorado's environment.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-502 Definitions

24-46.3-502. Definitions. As used in this part 5, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Department" means the department of labor and employment created in section 24-1-121. (2) "Department of higher education" means the department of higher education created in section 24-1-114. (3) "Energy sector" has the same meaning as defined in section 24-46.3-104 (5.5). (4) "Energy sector career pathway" means the energy sector career pathway created pursuant to section 24-46.3-104 (5.5). (5) "SPARC program" means the strengthening photovoltaic and renewable careers (SPARC) workforce development program created in section 24-46.3-503. (6) "SPARC program fund" means the SPARC program fund created in section 24-46.3-505. (7) "State board for community colleges and occupational education" means the state board for community colleges and occupational education created in section 23-60-104. (8) "State council" means the state work force development council created in section 24-46.3-101.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-503 Strengthening photovoltaic and renewable careers (SPARC) workforce development program - creation - use of funds

24-46.3-503. Strengthening photovoltaic and renewable careers (SPARC) workforce development program - creation - use of funds. (1) There is created in the department the strengthening photovoltaic and renewable careers (SPARC) workforce development program as an initiative of the department, the state council, the state board for community colleges and occupational education, and the department of higher education. (2) The purpose of the SPARC program is to create capacity for and bolster training, apprenticeship, and education programs in the energy sector career pathway to increase employment in the energy sector, prioritizing in-demand and growing occupations in the energy sector, where insufficient training, education, and apprenticeship programs exist to meet growing demand. The SPARC program will capitalize on the components of the energy sector career pathway, including competency-based education and assessment, modularized curricula, integrated credit and noncredit programs, stacked and latticed credentials, apprenticeship programs, and comprehensive, personalized student support and career guidance. (3) In any state fiscal year in which the general assembly appropriates money for the SPARC program, the department, the state council, the state board for community colleges and occupational education, and the department of higher education shall use the money appropriated to expand the capacity of training programs and for the following purposes, as applicable, to support apprenticeships, training, and education in the energy sector career pathway: (a) Career and training counseling; (b) Career and academic exploration and planning; (c) Scholarships; (d) Employer-provided training; (e) Apprenticeships; (f) Career and technical education; (g) Work-based training opportunities; (h) Need-based services; (i) Transportation; (j) Equipment and supplies; (k) Retention services; (l) Training program development and implementation; (m) SPARC program implementation and administration, including reporting activities; and (n) Other purposes as determined by the department, the state council, the state board for community colleges and occupational education, and the department of higher education that achieve the purposes of this part 5. (4) Subject to available appropriations, the department, in consultation with the state council, the state board for community colleges and occupational education, and the department of higher education, shall determine the amount of funding allocated for the purposes described in subsection (3) of this section for public institutions of higher education in Colorado, local workforce development areas, and other partners, including community-based nonprofit organizations. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the department, the state council, the state board for community colleges and occupational education, and the department of higher education, as well as expenditures of money from the fund, are not subject to the provisions of the "Procurement Code", articles 101 to 112 of this title 24. (5) (a) SPARC program activities or expenditures authorized pursuant to this part 5 must not: (I) Circumvent any statutory requirements related to the acquisition of a plumbing or electrical license or the professional practice act of either the plumbing or electrical industry or any statute that specifically defines any renewable energy work as within the scope of licensed plumbers or electricians or properly supervised apprentices; or (II) Circumvent any established industry standard for on-the-job training requirements or classroom education requirements of established Colorado apprenticeship programs registered through the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship training or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by that office. of licensed plumbers or electricians or properly supervised apprentices; or (II) Circumvent any established industry standard for on-the-job training requirements or classroom education requirements of established Colorado apprenticeship programs registered through the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship training or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by that office. (b) To the extent possible, the SPARC program must support activities that support participation in Colorado apprenticeship programs registered through the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship training or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by that office and prioritize programs that seek to help workers attain a professional credential, an industry standard certification, or a professional license.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-504 Reporting requirements

24-46.3-504. Reporting requirements. (1) On or before November 1, 2022, and on or before November 1 each year thereafter until the repeal of the SPARC program, the state council shall submit a report to the house of representatives business affairs and labor committee, the house of representatives energy and environment committee, the house of representatives education committee, the senate business, labor, and technology committee, the senate transportation and energy committee, and the senate education committee, or their successor committees. At a minimum, the report must include a summary of the energy sector career pathway and its implementation and the SPARC program, including an accounting of how money was used pursuant to this part 5 to expand or support training, apprenticeship, and education programs in the energy sector career pathway to increase employment in the energy sector. (2) The department shall also present an executive summary of the annual report on the SPARC program at the department's annual presentation to the legislative committee of reference pursuant to the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act", created in part 2 of article 7 of title 2. (3) For purposes of the reporting requirement set forth in this section, the department may request data and information from entities receiving or using money appropriated for purposes of this part 5. (4) Notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), the reporting requirement set forth in this section continues until the SPARC program repeals pursuant to section 24-46.3-506.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-505 SPARC program fund - creation - appropriations from the fund

24-46.3-505. SPARC program fund - creation - appropriations from the fund. (1) The SPARC program fund, referred to in this section as the "fund", is created in the state treasury. The fund consists of money transferred to the fund pursuant to subsection (2) of this section and any other money that the general assembly may appropriate or transfer to the fund. In accordance with section 24-36-114 (1), the state treasurer shall credit all interest and income derived from the deposit and investment of money in the fund to the general fund. (2) On July 1, 2021, the state treasurer shall transfer five million dollars from the general fund to the fund. (3) (a) Subject to annual appropriation by the general assembly for the 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 state fiscal years, the department, the state council, the state board for community colleges and occupational education, and the department of higher education may expend money from the fund for purposes of this part 5. (b) Any money appropriated pursuant to this section in a state fiscal year that is not encumbered or expended at the end of that state fiscal year remains available for expenditure in the next fiscal year for the same purposes without further appropriation. (c) The general assembly may appropriate money from the fund to pay the direct and indirect costs incurred to administer the SPARC program. (4) The state treasurer shall transfer all unexpended and unencumbered money in the fund on June 30, 2026, to the general fund.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-506 Repeal of part

24-46.3-506. Repeal of part. This part 5 is repealed, effective July 1, 2026.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-601 Short title

24-46.3-601. Short title. The short title of this part 6 is the "Investments in Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-skilling Workers Act".

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-602 Definitions

24-46.3-602. Definitions. As used in this part 6 and part 7 of this article 46.3, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" or "ARPA" means the federal "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021", Pub.L. 117-2, as the act may be subsequently amended. (2) "Department" means the department of labor and employment. (3) "Incumbent worker" means a worker who is currently employed and expects to remain employed by the same employer during and after participation in a training program or training opportunity. (4) "Industry-recognized credential" means a credential through a program or offering qualified under the career development success program pursuant to section 22-54-138. (5) "Next-skilling" means activities to develop future-ready skills necessary for employment in the twenty-first century and includes the focus areas of human skills, digital skills, business skills, growth mind-set, and a lifelong learning mind-set. (6) "Program" means the investments in reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling workers program created in section 24-46.3-603. (7) (a) "Reskilling" means activities to: (I) Support unemployed and underemployed individuals who need or want to change industries in order to return to full-time work or who need or want to obtain more appropriate work based on their skills; and (II) Help unemployed and underemployed individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency. (b) "Reskilling" may include technical training for new positions and new careers and entrepreneurial training for individuals who wish to pursue self-employment and business ownership. (8) "Short-term training" means a training program that is not more than thirteen months in duration. (9) "State council" means the state work force development council created pursuant to section 24-46.3-101. (10) "Substantial unemployment" means an unemployment rate that is higher than four percent for the state, as a whole, or for a work force development area. (11) "Upskilling" means activities to increase the skill levels of an incumbent worker so the worker is able to retain employment and advance within a company. (12) "Work force development area" has the same meaning as set forth in section 8-83-203 (22).

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-603 Investments in reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling workers program - creation

24-46.3-603. Investments in reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling workers program - creation. (1) The investments in reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling workers program is hereby created as an initiative of the state council as a means to train unemployed and underemployed Coloradans during times of substantial unemployment. In any state fiscal year in which money is appropriated for the program pursuant to section 24-46.3-604, the state council shall use the money allocated to the program to support individuals in need of reskilling, upskilling, or next-skilling, including providing assistance to allow individuals to access and participate in short-term training to obtain an industry-recognized credential. The state council may use the money for the following reskilling, upskilling, or next-skilling purposes: (a) Career counseling; (b) Career and academic exploration and planning; (c) Tuition; (d) Employer-provided training; (e) Needs-based services; (f) Transportation; (g) Equipment; (h) Retention services; (i) Program implementation and administration, including reporting activities; and (j) Other purposes determined by the state council that are related to training unemployed and underemployed Coloradans during times of substantial unemployment. (2) An individual may receive support through the program as described in subsection (1) of this section for up to thirteen consecutive months while pursuing an industry-recognized credential. The state council, in collaboration with the department, shall develop the eligibility criteria for individuals to receive support through the program. (3) (a) The state council, in collaboration with the department, shall allocate the funding available for the program as follows: (I) Twenty million seven hundred fifty thousand dollars to work force development areas for the program; (II) Three million dollars for the grant program established pursuant to subsection (4) of this section; and (III) One million two hundred fifty thousand dollars for the department for outreach and recruitment, providing access to digital platforms for career navigation, issuing licenses for virtual training courses, and implementing, administering, and reporting on the program. (b) If, on June 30, 2022, any portion of the money allocated to the department pursuant to subsection (3)(a)(III) of this section is unencumbered and unexpended, the state council shall allocate the remaining money in accordance with subsections (3)(a)(I) and (3)(a)(II) of this section. (4) (a) The state council shall establish a grant program to award funding to other partners, including local governments, institutions of higher education, and community-based nonprofit organizations, for use in providing the supports specified in subsection (1) of this section. The recipients of funding are responsible for working with individuals who qualify for the program and administering available funds to or on behalf of qualified individuals. (b) The state council shall distribute the funding through a competitive application process that considers the relative need in an area and the ability of the applicant to support individuals, as well as other criteria that the state council and the department determine are relevant based on the economic conditions at the time applications are being considered.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-604 Funding for program

24-46.3-604. Funding for program. (1) For the 2021-22 state fiscal year, the general assembly shall appropriate twenty-five million dollars from the workers, employers, and workforce centers cash fund created in section 24-75-231 (2)(a) to the department for allocation to the state council for the program. Any money appropriated in the 2021-22 state fiscal year that is not encumbered or expended at the end of that state fiscal year remains available for expenditure by the state council in subsequent state fiscal years without further appropriation, subject to the requirements for obligating and expending money received under the ARPA as specified in section 24-75-226 (4)(d). (2) The state council shall use the money appropriated pursuant to this section for the purposes specified in section 24-46.3-603 and shall allocate the money as specified in that section. (3) Neither the department nor the state council shall use money appropriated pursuant to this section to add permanent full-time equivalent positions for the department or the state council. (4) The state council shall comply with the requirements of section 24-75-226 (4) and (5) regarding the obligation, expenditure, and tracking of money allocated to the state council pursuant to this section.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-605 Reports

24-46.3-605. Reports. (1) In December 2022 and each December thereafter through December 2026, the state council shall report on the activities and outcomes resulting from the program in the prior state fiscal year as part of the annual Colorado talent report prepared pursuant to section 24-46.3-103 (3). The state council shall comply with the requirements of section 24-75-226 (5) regarding reporting on money allocated to the state council pursuant to section 24-46.3-604. (2) Each applicant that receives funding under the program shall report to the state council on the measurable outcomes achieved, including the number of participants served, the number of short-term training programs completed, and any other information that the state council determines appropriate to demonstrate the success of the grant.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-606 Repeal of part

24-46.3-606. Repeal of part. This part 6 is repealed, effective July 1, 2027.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-701 Short title

24-46.3-701. Short title. The short title of this part 7 is the "Work Force Innovation Act".

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-702 Definitions

24-46.3-702. Definitions. As used in this part 7, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Adult education program" has the same meaning as "adult education and literacy programs", as defined in section 22-10-103 (1). (2) "Apprenticeship sponsor" means an employer, association, committee, or organization that operates an apprenticeship program registered with the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship or a state apprenticeship agency recognized by that office. (3) "Colorado work force center" means an American jobs center established pursuant to the federal "Workforce Investment Act of 1998", 29 U.S.C. sec. 2801 et seq., and reauthorized in the federal "Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014", Pub.L. 113-128, that is operating in Colorado and offers training referrals, career counseling, job listings, and similar employment-related services. (4) "Connecting Colorado database" means the labor exchange system administered by the department to connect individuals to jobs and to manage data and produce reports required by the United States department of labor. (5) "COVID-19" means the coronavirus disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, also known as SARS-CoV-2. (6) "COVID-19 public health emergency" or "public health emergency" means the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and extending until the termination of the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak declared pursuant to the federal "National Emergencies Act", 50 U.S.C. sec. 1601 et seq. (7) "Economic development corporation" means an organization whose mission is to promote economic development within a specific geographical area. (8) "Eligible applicant" means: (a) A public or private sector employer, employer organization, or trade association; (b) An apprenticeship sponsor; (c) A community-based organization; (d) A Colorado work force center; or (e) A sector partnership recognized by the state council. (9) "Local education provider" has the same meaning as set forth in section 22-20.5-102 (4). (10) "Proprietary training provider" means a training program operated by the private sector. (11) "Sector partnership" means an industry-specific, regional partnership led by business in partnership with economic development, education, and work force development entities. (12) "Statewide work force innovation initiative" means a statewide activity developed pursuant to section 24-46.3-705. (13) "Subapplicant" means: (a) An institution of higher education; (b) A public library; (c) A local education provider; (d) An adult education program; (e) A proprietary training provider; (f) An economic development corporation; or (g) A nonprofit organization. (14) "Work force development board" has the same meaning as set forth in section 8-83-203 (23). (15) "Work force innovation grant program" or "grant program" means the work force innovation grant program created in section 24-46.3-704.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-703 Funding for work force innovation - grant program - statewide initiatives - allocation of ARPA money

24-46.3-703. Funding for work force innovation - grant program - statewide initiatives - allocation of ARPA money. (1) For the 2021-22 state fiscal year, the general assembly shall appropriate thirty-five million dollars from the workers, employers, and workforce centers cash fund created in section 24-75-231 (2)(a) to the department for allocation to the state council for the following purposes: (a) Seventeen million five hundred thousand dollars for allocation to work force development boards for the work force innovation grant program and purposes specified in section 24-46.3-704 (1)(b); except that a work force development board shall return to the state council any money allocated to and not expended or obligated by the work force development board by January 1, 2024; and (b) Seventeen million five hundred thousand dollars, plus any amount returned to the state council pursuant to subsection (1)(a) of this section, for statewide work force innovation initiatives. (2) The state council and department may use up to twelve percent of the amount appropriated pursuant to this section for costs associated with implementing and administering this part 7 and for the evaluation activities required pursuant to section 24-46.3-706. (3) Any money appropriated pursuant to this section that is not expended or encumbered at the end of the 2021-22 state fiscal year remains available for expenditure in subsequent fiscal years without further appropriation, subject to the requirements for obligating and expending money received under the ARPA as specified in section 24-75-226 (4)(d). (4) The state council shall comply with the requirements of section 24-75-226 (4) and (5) regarding the obligation, expenditure, and tracking of and reporting on the use of any ARPA money allocated to the state council pursuant to this section.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-704 Work force innovation grant program - creation - local boards to administer - eligibility for grants - use of grants - grant proposal requirements - other innovation activities performed by local boards - reporting to statewide database

24-46.3-704. Work force innovation grant program - creation - local boards to administer - eligibility for grants - use of grants - grant proposal requirements - other innovation activities performed by local boards - reporting to statewide database. (1) (a) The work force innovation grant program is hereby created for the purpose of promoting innovation in order to improve outcomes for learners and workers, including underserved populations, by promoting partnerships and helping prepare Coloradans for well-paying, quality jobs. The state council shall administer the program and shall distribute the money allocated to the program pursuant to section 24-46.3-703 (1)(a) to work force development boards based on a formula that considers the following factors in each work force development area: (I) The share of unemployment claims; (II) The total jobs lost and the total jobs lost in the industries most impacted by the public health emergency; and (III) Other factors determined by the state council. (b) (I) The work force development boards shall use the money distributed pursuant to subsection (1)(a) of this section: (A) To award grants to eligible applicants through a competitive process, consistent with subsections (2) and (3) of this section; (B) For outcomes-based or pay-for-performance contracts with grant recipients, consistent with subsections (2) and (3) of this section; (C) For new program development; (D) To expand access to existing programs; (E) For outreach and engagement, especially to marginalized or disproportionately impacted populations; and (F) For career coaching and navigation for individuals. (II) Work force development boards may use up to ten percent of the money distributed pursuant to subsection (1)(a) of this section for administrative costs associated with performing the activities specified in subsection (1)(b)(I) of this section. (2) (a) An applicant for a grant from a work force development board: (I) Must demonstrate that the applicant is an eligible applicant; (II) May apply for a grant in partnership with one or more subapplicants; and (III) Is encouraged to apply for a grant with partners in order to support transformative strategies focused on systemic alignment with Colorado work force centers. (b) If applying with one or more subapplicants, an applicant must identify the specific role each subapplicant will serve and the reason why the applicant and subapplicant have partnered in the application, including how the lead applicant will distribute money to subapplicants and what amounts would be shared among the applicant and subapplicants. (c) The work force development boards may partner with each other to administer grants. (d) All grants awarded pursuant to this section must be obligated and spent in accordance with section 24-75-226 (4)(d). (3) The work force development boards shall award grants to eligible applicants applying for grants for proposals that will build in-demand skills, connect workers and learners to quality jobs, and drive employer engagement in talent development in any of the following areas: (d) All grants awarded pursuant to this section must be obligated and spent in accordance with section 24-75-226 (4)(d). (3) The work force development boards shall award grants to eligible applicants applying for grants for proposals that will build in-demand skills, connect workers and learners to quality jobs, and drive employer engagement in talent development in any of the following areas: (a) Supporting work-based learning, skill development, training completion, and quality job placement through the following: (I) Providing quality education and training for reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling individuals who are in COVID-19-impacted households and underserved populations that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency, which may include entrepreneurship; digital literacy and inclusion activities; work force readiness; on-the-job training; short-term, in-demand credentials; or apprenticeships; (II) Building accountable partnerships and systems to dramatically improve outcomes or decrease costs for workers and learners to access quality education and training; (III) Providing supportive services and equipment to workers and learners with barriers to accessing education, training, and job placement; (IV) Increasing access to career counseling and navigation programs for in-school and out-of-school workers and learners; (V) Developing new, work-based learning programs in partnership with employers; or (VI) Increasing access to English-as-a-second-language and other career readiness programs that enable equitable access and integration; (b) Supporting employers and small businesses to mitigate financial hardships resulting from the public health emergency or providing greater opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 to engage in talent development through the following: (I) Increasing adoption of skills-based practices, including incentivizing new skills-based hires; (II) Developing or expanding incumbent worker training and work-based learning programs in partnership with Colorado work force centers, training providers, community-based organizations, local education providers, and institutions of higher education; or (III) Building new internal pathways for existing employees; and (c) Increasing participation by underserved communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, people with disabilities, new Americans, ex-offenders, and older workers, through the following: (I) Adopting focused outreach strategies specific to underserved communities; (II) Increasing partnership with community-based organizations that serve these populations in order to support existing trusted messengers that can enhance outreach; or (III) Improving language access, to include American sign language, to ensure outreach and participation. (4) An applicant should address the following in its project proposal: (a) The need for the project, specifying how and why the project is designed to meet the need based on data and evidence; (b) The proposed impact of the project, including how the project will improve outcomes for workers and students or increase employer engagement; (c) The partnerships fostered by the project, including the degree to which the project has support from community-based organizations such as local chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, businesses, or faith-based organizations; (d) The sustainability of the project, specifying how the project will continue after the grant term expires; (e) The governance of the project, specifying how the project will ensure appropriate administration, monitoring, reporting, and compliance for the grant; (f) The innovation of the project, specifying how the project supports innovative, locally driven solutions to respond to community needs; and ustainability of the project, specifying how the project will continue after the grant term expires; (e) The governance of the project, specifying how the project will ensure appropriate administration, monitoring, reporting, and compliance for the grant; (f) The innovation of the project, specifying how the project supports innovative, locally driven solutions to respond to community needs; and (g) The equity of the project, specifying how the project will improve education and economic outcomes for underserved populations or communities. (5) Each work force development board that awards grants to eligible applicants pursuant to this section shall report information as required by section 24-46.3-706 to the connecting Colorado database to track participants and facilitate an evaluation of the grant recipient's use of the grant award and the outcomes achieved. (6) Each eligible applicant that receives a grant pursuant to this section shall comply with any reporting requirements as determined by the state controller pursuant to section 24-75-226.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-705 Statewide work force innovation initiatives - development - stakeholder process - distribution of money for initiatives

24-46.3-705. Statewide work force innovation initiatives - development - stakeholder process - distribution of money for initiatives. (1) The state council shall use the money allocated pursuant to section 24-46.3-703 (1)(b) for statewide work force innovation initiatives designed to perform the activities specified in subsection (2) of this section to address the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency. (2) The state council shall conduct a stakeholder process to engage work force development boards and community leaders in the design of statewide initiatives, which may include the following activities: (a) Supporting employers and trade associations that operate in multiple counties in developing training programs; (b) Managing alignment of statewide activities in partnership with work force development areas for skills-based hiring and talent development activities; (c) Capacity building and technical assistance activities, such as staff or contractors to support the administration of local competitions and related activities and contracting with local or national experts on evidence-based policy, results-based contracting, rigorous evaluation design, and implementation science; (d) Capacity building and technical assistance for community-based organizations to increase knowledge and understanding of work force programming; (e) Testing similar programs in multiple locations to assess what works so that successful practices used in specific locations can be scaled or replicated in other locations; (f) Executing and managing contracts with external evaluators in accordance with section 24-46.3-706; (g) Performing monitoring and compliance activities necessary to demonstrate fiscal integrity; and (h) Conducting outreach and communication campaigns to reach Coloradans, including underserved and disproportionately impacted populations, who may benefit from available programs. (3) (a) The state council shall distribute money in accordance with state and federal procurement guidelines for statewide work force innovation initiatives developed pursuant to this section that will perform activities specified in subsection (2) of this section. (b) Any person that receives money for a statewide work force innovation initiative pursuant to this section shall: (I) Report information as required by section 24-46.3-706 to the connecting Colorado database to facilitate an evaluation of the activities and the outcomes achieved; and (II) Comply with any reporting requirements as determined by the state controller pursuant to section 24-75-226.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-706 Evaluation - grant-funded projects and programs - statewide innovation initiatives

24-46.3-706. Evaluation - grant-funded projects and programs - statewide innovation initiatives. (1) The state council shall conduct or facilitate an evaluation of all programs, projects, and initiatives funded pursuant to this part 7 on either a statewide level or work force development area level. (2) Any work force development board or person that receives money or a grant pursuant to section 24-46.3-704 or 24-46.3-705 must use the connecting Colorado database to report information about how the recipient used the money, the outcomes achieved, and any other information necessary to facilitate the evaluation required by this section. (3) In addition to the requirements of section 24-75-226 (5), programs, projects, and initiatives funded pursuant to this part 7 must be evaluated to: (a) Determine whether the program, project, or initiative demonstrates an impact on work force development and innovation in the following areas: (I) Skill or competency attainment; (II) Industry-recognized credential attainment; (III) Graduation or credential attainment rates; (IV) Job placement; and (V) Job quality; (b) Specify the percentage of money that was allocated, distributed, or awarded to institutions of higher education through scholarships or other mechanisms.

C.R.S. § 24-46.3-707 Repeal of part

24-46.3-707. Repeal of part. This part 7 is repealed, effective July 1, 2027.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-24.docxFetched: 10/6/2026