Building upon the Polis Administration's work to save people money and create a workforce for today and the future

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, joined by Lt. Governor Primavera and the Colorado Department of Higher Education, announced that Colorado has made community college free for over 10,000 health care professionals through Care Forward Colorado. By providing real support for everything from textbooks to tuition, Care Forward Colorado has helped Coloradans access the credentials they need to become health care professionals, ultimately strengthening the state's health care workforce.

"Colorado is proud to have saved over 10,000 Coloradans money to become health care professionals and add to our workforce for the future. We are focused on making sure people can access the skills they need to build their careers and fill critical jobs throughout the state," said Gov. Jared Polis.

Care Forward Colorado has awarded over 2,600 Certified Nursing Assistants, 3,500 Emergency Medical Technicians, and 1,100 Medical Assistants. Early employment data shows that over 90% of graduates are now employed in health care roles across Colorado, addressing critical workforce gaps in communities.

"A strong health care workforce is critical to a thriving Colorado," said Lt. Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, Dianne Primavera. "Care Forward Colorado is not only opening doors for thousands of Coloradans to build meaningful careers—it's also ensuring that patients across our state have access to the dedicated professionals they rely on. Investing in workforce development means investing in healthier communities, and I'm proud to see this program making such a lasting impact, helping ensure that all Coloradans have access to high-quality and affordable health care."

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"Care Forward Colorado stands as a testament to the impact of targeted state funding combined with effective, accessible training programs tailored to meet Colorado's most urgent workforce needs. We are deeply grateful to Governor Polis, the General Assembly, and our dedicated faculty and staff for making this vision a reality. Congratulations to all our students and partners who have made this success possible—we are just getting started," said CCCS Chancellor Joe Garcia.

Beginning in Fall 2022, students who enrolled in qualifying health care certificate programs with affiliated community and technical colleges were reimbursed for tuition, fees, and materials as well as transportation, childcare, and rent.

"Care Forward has the power to change lives," said Dr. Angie Paccione Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. "By creating a program that students can complete in a year or less, in a healthcare field that they are passionate about, Care Forward propels students on a path to success and boosts Colorado's healthcare system in the process."

In 2022, Governor Polis signed into law Senate Bill 22-226, which allocated $26 million in state recovery funds to provide zero-cost, short-term healthcare training programs across the state. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by then state Rep. Kyle Mullica, has helped develop Colorado's health care workforce.

Quotes from Care Forward Colorado participants:

"Education, learning has always been a huge goal for me, and a huge part of my life. The financial support from Care Forward was a big deal. It definitely eased a lot of my financial burdens," - Tom Guida, Emergency Medical Services program, Front Range Community College.

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"The Care Forward funding covered my classes, my uniform, my books—everything. I was very relieved. I didn't have to worry," - Laylonni Jaramillo, Emergency Medical Technician program, Front Range Community College.

"The Care Forward Colorado program offered everything I needed—uniforms, free education, and provided books, which made it a great fit for me," - Akelia Reddie, Phlebotomy program, Community College of Aurora.

"If it hadn't been for this program, I don't think I would be where I am today. I will soon have my Associate's Degree of Nursing, and I'm planning on using it to help the citizens of Colorado in any way I can," - Taneya Kunkel, Certified Nursing Assistant program, Community College of Aurora.

"Without Care Forward Colorado, there's no way I could have done this or even had it been a possibility. Having that financial aspect taken care of lets me focus on school," - Skylar Langston, Emergency Medical Technician program, Aims Community College.

"If it wasn't for the Care Forward program, I would not have been able to cover my finances and afford to attend classes," - Heather Black, Pharmacy Technician program, Pueblo Community College.

"It paid for all of my college. During that time, my family and I were struggling financially, so it was a big help," - Isaac Aguirre, Emergency Medical Services, Pueblo Community College.

"Without Care Forward funds, I would not have been able to return to school and the field I love," - Julia Feld, Emergency Medical Services Program, Red Rocks Community College.

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