DENVER ~ Today, Governor Polis announced the launch of the fourth and final Response, Innovation, and Student Equity Education (RISE) grant opportunity at MSU Denver. This round of RISE grants will invest in programs that expand youth-based apprenticeship opportunities and create more pathways for students to access the skills and experiences needed to begin their careers.

Governor Polis allocated $2.5 Million from the GEER fund to create this grant opportunity and support innovative approaches to education. "We are excited to support innovation and more apprenticeships with RISE grant funding. This will help invest in our students, expand apprenticeships, and better prepare young Coloradans for in-demand jobs," said Governor Polis.

The RISE grant program invests in local programs that develop innovative ways to improve education and provide students with more resources to be successful, especially in high-needs schools. This round of RISE grant funding focuses on expanding youth-based apprenticeship opportunities for high-school students. Youth-based apprenticeship programs allow students to explore different career paths, gain first-hand experience, and begin industry-specific training or post-secondary education requirements before graduating high school.

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Eligible recipients include public local educational providers (LEPs), such as school districts, boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES), charter schools authorized by a school district or BOCES, charter schools authorized by the Charter School Institute, charter management organizations (CMOs), education-related entities*, non-profit or community-based organizations with a demonstrated history of placing students in youth-based apprenticeships, federally recognized tribes, and consortia of such entities.

This RISE grant will prioritize programs that develop careers in in-demand industries, serve underrepresented populations, access students in rural or small rural communities, and have or create a Career Development Incentive Program (CDIP) graduation requirement.

Since 2020 when Governor Polis launched the RISE grant program to provide funding to develop innovative learning programs that improve students' education experiences and support schools to address the impacts COVID-19 had on education; three successful grant opportunities have been launched investing $42 million into improving learning experiences for Colorado's youth.

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In addition to this fourth round of RISE grants; Governor Polis has taken action this month alone expanding apprenticeship opportunities at state agencies encouraging other industries to do the same; launching Care Forward Program & Career Avance Colorado Program which both provide Coloradans access to free credentials for jobs in demand industries; as well as announcing Opportunity Now Grant program which builds partnerships between education institutions & employers connecting qualified Coloradans with in demand jobs.

Applications for the RISE Grant funding will be accepted today through October 16th 2023 with recipients being announced last week of October 2023; full details & application can be found at https://www.colorado.gov/governor/risefund .

Governor Polis continues his commitment towards developing Colorado's workforce & creating more pathways for Coloradans advancing their careers through these initiatives & investments into our student's futures & educational experiences

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