Career Advance Colorado

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) has several certificate and degree programs that will be eligible for the new Career Advance Colorado program, including Construction Management, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Teacher Education, Law Enforcement, and Nursing.

The Career Advance Colorado program provides free training for in-demand jobs through the state’s 19 community and technical colleges. Beginning in August 2023, students who enroll in qualifying programs will have tuition, fees, course materials and other costs completely covered while program funding is available. Students must apply for federal and/or state financial aid to enroll in a Career Advance Colorado program.

Career Advance Colorado is funded through House Bill 23-1246, which dedicates $38.6 million to fully cover tuition, fees, and course materials for short-term programs (2 years or less) in select fields with significant workforce shortages. The bill was signed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis in May 2023 and sponsored by Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senators Janet Buckner and Perry Will, and Representative 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.

For more information about Career Advance Colorado at ACC, please contact ACC Admissions.