FORT MORGAN ~ Fort Morgan - Governor Jared Polis made a visit to Morgan Community College today to highlight Colorado's investments in training and workforce development. During his visit, the Governor met with students, faculty, and President Dr. Curt Freed to discuss the state's efforts to save Coloradans money on education and strengthen the workforce.

One of the key initiatives highlighted by Governor Polis was the expansion of access to higher education. He announced that the first two years of community college will now be free for Coloradans who make less than $90,000 per year. This move aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all residents of Colorado.

"I am proud to be here today at Morgan Community College to speak with students and staff and see the ways our community colleges are creating new and relevant pathways for Coloradans to get skills for good jobs," said Governor Polis.

The impact of these investments was also emphasized by Colorado Department of Higher Education Executive Director JB Holston. "What makes visits like this so meaningful is seeing the impact of these investments firsthand," he said. "When we make education more affordable, align programs with workforce needs, and support innovation at our institutions, we create more than academic pathways, we create pathways to prosperity."

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Governor Polis has been a strong advocate for investing in workforce development in Colorado. In 2023, he signed legislation to create Career Advance Colorado, which fully covers enrollment costs for training programs in sectors with significant workforce shortages. In 2025, he announced that over 10,000 health care professionals had benefited from free community college through Care Forward Colorado. This initiative has produced thousands of newly credentialed workers in the healthcare industry.

In addition to these efforts, Governor Polis signed SB 22-226 into law in 2022. This legislation allocated $26 million in state recovery funds to provide zero-cost short-term healthcare training programs across the state.

Morgan Community College has also received recognition for its contributions to workforce development. The college was recently awarded a $739,917 Opportunity Now grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. This funding will be used for curriculum development and student support services for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education program. Opportunity Now aims to support the creation and expansion of higher education programs that prepare Coloradans for in-demand, well-paying jobs and careers.

Governor Polis' visit to Morgan Community College highlights the state's commitment to investing in education and workforce development. These efforts are not only creating new opportunities for individuals but also strengthening Colorado's economy as a whole.

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