Opportunity Now Program Awards Supplemental Funding to Boost Colorado's Workforce

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DENVER ~ Today, at the Governor's Mansion in Denver, Governor Jared Polis and the Talent Innovation Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the awarding of eight supplemental, performance-based grants to previous recipients of the Opportunity Now Colorado grant program. These grants are intended to help these grantees continue their success in preparing more Coloradans for well-paying jobs that meet the workforce needs of Colorado's top industries.

According to Governor Polis, "With support from Opportunity Now, over 8,274 Coloradans have already found jobs and even more are developing new skills. The funding announced today will continue this important work so even more Coloradans can get the experience they need to start new careers that will support them and their families."

The Opportunity Now Colorado grant program has awarded a total of $89.5 million through 96 grants to date. The top sectors served by these grants include healthcare, education, infrastructure and construction. Additionally, these grants have also supported Colorado's growing leadership in sectors such as quantum technology, semiconductors, clean tech and advanced manufacturing. It is projected that these grant recipients will serve a total of 20,000 Coloradans, with 8,274 already placed into advanced industries, healthcare, education and construction/infrastructure jobs. The funding announced today is being awarded to previous grantees who have shown the capacity to continue serving Coloradans beyond their original commitment.

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Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT stated that "These Opportunity Now recipients have a proven track record of placing Coloradans into new jobs and filling positions in high-priority industries. We are thrilled to support their ongoing work and by emphasizing outcomes, we are ensuring that Opportunity Now funding helps more Coloradans develop new skills and find new job opportunities."

The performance-based funding announced today will be awarded to each recipient based on verified job placements, annual salary increases of 10% or more, and ongoing retention. The award amounts will also be scaled to reflect factors such as higher salaries for new workers. Verification will be led by the Colorado Evaluation & Action Lab and completed using data from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE).

A total of up to $1,661,400 will be awarded to eight Opportunity Now Performance Funding grantees. These recipients include ActivateWork, Associated General Contractors, CareerWise, Colorado River BOCES, CrossPurpose, Joint Initiatives for Youth and Families, Servicios de La Raza, and Tepeyac Community Health Center.

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The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works towards empowering all individuals to thrive in Colorado's economy. In collaboration with economic development partners across the state and under the leadership of Governor Polis, OEDIT fosters a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. Their goal is to promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding businesses in Colorado while also providing support for entrepreneurs at every stage of growth. Ultimately, their aim is to protect what makes Colorado a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire - making it accessible to everyone. To learn more about OEDIT's initiatives visit their website.

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