November 14, 2025
School is in session, and Colorado's educators are attending regional trainings from October to February 2026 to implement what the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) calls "the big 3.” CDE and the Office of Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) team are hosting the regional trainings and CWDC’s Education Consultant Sami Mooney is on the road with the team to help train educators.
The state’s goal is for 100 percent of high school graduates by 2029 to have a quality work-based learning experience, college credits, and/or an industry-recognized certification. Educators are working to make these opportunities accessible to all students, supported by updated funding, quality standards, and accountability.
Pikes Peak Region Kicks off Training, Locals Share Reactions to New Legislation
The Pikes Peak Region kicked off the first in-person regional training session. Nearly 200 educators attended the training to learn and ask questions about funding specifics and changes to reporting. Organizers reported an overwhelmingly “I’m in” spirit from educators. A Menti poll captured their feelings in a word cloud with responses ranging from excitement, hopefulness and curiosity.
“With the big 3, the possibilities are endless for students. We open the doors,” said one participant who acknowledged that while there are many changes the education system will need to bear, this work means a lot for students in Colorado.
Other attendees focused on equity.
“How do we ensure access to opportunities for all Colorado kids?,” said Kolleen Johnson of Manitou Springs School District.
Johnson, who has engaged in this work for several years, noted that barriers like transportation, financial aid, and schedule flexibility inhibit students from accessing opportunities.
Connection to the 1215 Task Force
The new policies are related to SB25-315 and the 1215 task force. The task force, co-chaired by CDE and the Colorado Workforce Development Council, convened in 2024. The first recommendation is to streamline program administration and the second is to create a single, streamlined PWR program reporting structure.
SB25-315 represents major system changes in the K-12 postsecondary and workforce readiness space. The streamlining of programs brings new reporting and quality standards that the education field will implement starting this school year.
What does this mean for students in Colorado? Achieving work-based learning, industry-recognized certifications, and college credit isn’t a question of if, it's when. Stay tuned for our blogs highlighting this year’s PWR Regional Trainings.