June 25, 2025
The Virtual Career-Aligned English as a Second Language (VCESL) program has been renewed thanks to a collaborative effort between the CWDC, CDLE’s Employment & Training division, and EnGen—a platform providing on-demand, workforce-aligned English language instruction. The statewide initiative supports upskilling workers and building new talent pipelines for employers, particularly in key industries such as construction and clean energy.
Led by CDLE’s Office of New Americans (ONA), the VCESL program connects employers and job seekers with virtual, career-focused English instruction. The program empowers English learners to thrive in the workforce while simultaneously assisting employers in hiring and retaining diverse, multilingual teams. Read more about the program in the full CDLE press release.
The CWDC helped navigate the program renewal process, while also securing vital stimulus funds to continue the service.This ensures an equitable and accessible path for Colorado's English learners to access career and sector-specific courses in high-demand industries. The VCESL program effectively removes barriers, expanding the talent pool for Colorado employers.
Moving forward, the CWDC will continue to collaborate with CDLE’s Employment & Training division, ONA, local workforce areas, and Colorado Energy Office to encourage employer engagement.
About Stimulus-funded Initiatives in Colorado
Thanks to stimulus funds, over 15,000 Coloradans have accessed critical training programs through Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next Skilling (RUN) programs at local workforce centers and community-based organizations throughout the state, as well as workforce innovation initiatives.
Stimulus grants are provided through Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) and originate from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). These funds aim to assist Coloradans who lost their jobs during the pandemic, experienced another type of negative economic impact, as well as those seeking to advance in their current roles or change careers entirely.
The CWDC stewarded a $60 million package of SLFRF money funded through Colorado House Bill 21-1264. The work supported by these funds has served over 15,000 individuals through RUN programs offered through local workforce centers and community-based organizations throughout the state, as well as workforce innovation initiatives—including the Career Navigation and Career Coaching Collaborative, Trade Association Training programs, Regional Sector Partnerships, and grants to increase capacity across the state to strengthen training programs and help nonprofit providers and other organizations receive public funding.
The bill’s goal is to provide aid for economic recovery to the people, businesses, and industries most impacted by COVID-19, and aims to improve outcomes for learners and workers and help prepare Coloradans for well-paying, quality jobs of the future. The bill directs funds to individuals who were negatively affected by the pandemic, and emphasizes service to underserved communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic including Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities, people with disabilities, New Americans, justice-involved individuals, older workers; there’s also an emphasis on supporting small businesses and rural communities.