Colorado State Plan

The CWDC operates as a neutral collaborator and convener with state and local agencies involved in the workforce system. It is our hope that the practices outlined in the Colorado WIOA State Plan establish and maintain trusting relationships with all partners as we implement WIOA and continue to make Colorado a model for the nation.

2024-2027 WIOA State Plan 

The 2024-2027 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan has been approved by USDOL signaling the state’s commitment to increasing affordability, quality, equity, and access for all Coloradans. Approval is inclusive of the five waivers requested to cover the performance period from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2028. The four-year plan helps shape the strategic direction of workforce development in the state of Colorado and provides a comprehensive roadmap for driving workforce initiatives. View Colorado's full 2024-2027 WIOA Combined State Plan to learn more. The State Plan as well as all Local and regional WIOA plans went into effect July 1, 2024. 

Overview

PRIORITY ONE: Increase AFFORDABILITY of career connected education and training for Coloradans of all skill levels who have completed or left the K-12 education system.

• Connect Coloradans to zero-cost in-demand credentials
• Expand and promote apprenticeships and zero-cost upskilling opportunities
• Expand awareness of and adoption of skills-based hiring                 

PRIORITY TWO: Increase the QUALITY of upskilling opportunities, jobs, and career pathways.

• Affirm definitions of quality in our state and align stakeholders in the understanding and implementation of Colorado's job quality framework.
• Publish and examine the return on investment of programs.
• Build the evidence-base to direct funding into programs that work and make a tangible impact for individuals, businesses, and communities.      

PRIORITY THREE: Increase EQUITABLE economic opportunity for individuals who experience barriers based on race, ethnicity, gender, ability, age, zip code, and/or socioeconomic status.

• Promote Higher Education affordability and transparency.    
• Update the Colorado Talent Equity Agenda to support everyone regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, and/or socio-economic status.   
• Raise awareness of and promote equitable access for concurrent enrollment opportunities.
• WIOA partners and local/regional plans will detail strategies for strengthening education, training, and hiring initiatives to boost equitable economic outcomes.                                        

PRIORITY FOUR: Enhance ACCESS to programming by creating more seamless connections between high school, postsecondary education, and the workforce.

• Expand early credential attainment and postsecondary opportunities for all high school students
• Raise awareness of and promote concurrent enrollment.
• Support employer and community needs through expansion of work-based learning opportunities, encouraging students to participate.

Background

Once drafted, the WIOA Combined State—including all regional and local—plans underwent a rigorous review process that began in September 2023, including evaluations from the Council members, the Governor’s Office, partner agencies, and a 30-day public comment period. USDOL’s approval is not just a routine step, it ensures federal funding amounting to millions of dollars to Colorado, which will be instrumental in driving the workforce initiatives for the next four years, and empowering the community through enhanced employment opportunities, skill development, and economic growth.

The plan includes an executive summary and seven unique sections.

State Plan Structure

Section I is a statement of the type of plan being submitted. The options are a unified plan or combined plan, and the difference is how many programs are collaboratively involved in the plan. Colorado is submitting a combined plan.

Section II is the strategic analysis that provides data on our economy and workforce, information on existing programs, and the overarching goals for the next four years.

Section III is the operational section that details how the partner programs will work together to make the goals in section II a reality. This section includes information on partnerships, technology, funding formulas, and specific initiatives to better serve customers.

Section IV is a statement of how combined planning was conducted with all partners.

Section V is a list of assurances that the state is making regarding the development and ongoing governance of this plan.

Section VI includes detailed operational plans for the core programs. Core programs are funded by WIOA and all report on the same performance measurements.

Section VII includes detailed operational plans for the combined plan programs. These programs opted to join this planning process in an effort to best align services throughout Colorado.

Archive

2020-2023 WIOA State Plan

Colorado's 2020-2023 WIOA State Plan was approved by US Department of Labor and went into effect on July 1, 2020. It was updated in 2022 to reflect changes in the economy and the labor market. View the WIOA State Plan here.

2016-2019 WIOA State Plan

Colorado's previous state plan was approved by the federal government in fall 2016, and was in effect through July 1, 2020. View the 2016-2019 State Plan.