March 30, 2021 - Colorado was selected as one of 10 states for the National Governors Association's inaugural Workforce Innovation Network. The Colorado cohort includes partners from the CWDC, CDLE Workforce Development Programs and Office of the Future of Work, CDHS, CDHE, and the Governor's Office.
The Workforce Innovation Network is helping states build capacity for near-term innovation and longer-term strategy to prepare their workforces for a post-COVID-19 economy. Each state will receive a grant to improve employment and workforce outcomes in response to the economic impacts of the pandemic. The Network plans to devote particular attention to four areas: expanding access to essential support services; rapidly connecting job seekers to work; advancing digital access and skill development; and enhancing job quality for all workers.
Colorado’s application included a focus on enabling the state to expand its economic recovery plan, Colorado’s Plan for Workforce and Economic Recovery in 2021 (CO POWER ‘21), operationalizing equity in workforce response services, and adopting the first statewide definition of job quality. Participation in the Network will help Colorado build back stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic and open new doors of opportunity for those currently out of work and who have been economically impacted over the past year.
Learn more about the inaugural Workforce Innovation Network cohort: https://www.nga.org/news/press-releases/9-states-awarded-grants-to-accelerate-covid-19-workforce-recovery-efforts/