In May 2025, Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and workforce education and training. The order builds upon recommendations from a state task force, which advocated for all Colorado students to have free access to high-demand industry credentials, relevant college coursework, and quality work-based learning experiences. These objectives were incorporated into the Colorado Department of Education’s strategic plan and serve as the foundation for the state’s Homegrown Talent Coalition.

The Homegrown Talent Coalition includes Colorado policy, advocacy, and implementation organizations who are united by a shared vision: to ensure that every Colorado student has experiences aligned with their individual and informed pursuit of passion, purpose, and economic mobility. Specifically, a 2025 report from the Coalition calls for all students to attain one of “the Big Three” by the time they graduate high school:

• In-demand industry credential
• College credit as part of a defined postsecondary workforce readiness (PWR) pathway
• High-quality work-based learning (WBL) opportunities

This call to action for the K-12 education system, postsecondary education providers, and workforce partners comes at a time when there is unprecedented momentum and interest in providing opportunities for students to accelerate economic mobility.

The coalition’s goals align with and support a national movement backed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis. The national “Let’s Get Ready! Educating All Americans for Success” initiative has two purposes: Empowering individuals with the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to thrive after graduation, and building our states’ and nation’s economic competitiveness.

Complementing this national movement, Colorado has taken legislative steps to modernize its approach to postsecondary and workforce readiness. In May 2025, Governor Polis signed the Colorado Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Program Modernization Act (SB 25-315) into law. This legislation streamlines and strengthens how the state supports high school students in transitioning to college or careers. It introduces a three-part funding system that includes start-up support for new programs, innovation grants for underperforming districts, and performance-based reimbursements tied to student outcomes, such as earning college credit, industry-recognized credentials, or completing work-based learning experiences. The bill sets a bold goal: by the graduating class of 2029, every student should leave high school with a meaningful credential, college experience, or work-based learning opportunity.

In August 2025, Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain (JA-Rocky Mountain) officially joined the Homegrown Talent Coalition, bringing its on-the-ground expertise and vast network of districts, local business organizations, and nonprofit partners to the table. JA-Rocky Mountain plays a unique role in Colorado’s Postsecondary Workforce Readiness (PWR) space. As a go-to provider of Career Connected Learning (including PWR) for Colorado school districts, JA-Rocky Mountain provides no-cost, direct-to-student experiences in career exploration, employer exposure, real-world connectivity, and essential skills. JA-Rocky Mountain’s Career Connected Learning programming includes personal financial literacy and entrepreneurship. JA-Rocky Mountain offers: 

• High-quality, no-cost career exploration and essential skills programming that all schools can implement today 
• A track record of experiential learning expertise that provides students with transferable skills and competencies 
• Extensive business and community connections, providing access to networks and opportunities for students and educators 
• The ability to provide essential skills that employers are looking for through an Essential Workforce Skills credential
• Support for teachers through training and professional development

“JA-Rocky Mountain agrees that our schools and those they serve need support to ensure students are truly ‘future ready,’” said JA-Rocky Mountain Vice President of Programs Jill Hrnicek. “JA-Rocky Mountain stands ready to help districts meet the state’s goals. Our programs are proven to prepare students to make informed decisions about education after high school to reach their economic potential as adults – and they are offered at no cost.”

Homegrown Talent Coalition members include:

CareerWise Colorado	Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain
Colorado Children’s Campaign	Lyra
Colorado Education Initiative	Peak Education
Colorado Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative	PEBC
Colorado Succeeds	Ready CO
Colorado Youth for a Change	Rocky Mountain Partnership
Ednium	STAND for Children Colorado
Empower Schools	Synch Up Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado	Teach for America
Generation Schools Network	The Attainment Network
Homegrown Pathways	Young Invincibles

For more information about the Homegrown Talent Coalition, visit: www.coloradoedinitiative.org.