CCCS Internal Our Investment in Healthcare
From nursing to behavioral health, Colorado’s healthcare workforce is experiencing severe workforce shortages. The Colorado Community College System is committed to building a diverse, sustainable talent pipeline through innovative partnerships with government and industry.
Zero-Cost Training
With a historic state investment, CCCS colleges are offering zero-cost training for entry-level healthcare positions through Care Forward Colorado. To date, the program has trained more than 3,000 Coloradans.
Learn about Care Forward Colorado
Healthcare Apprenticeships
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded Colorado a $12 million grant to develop innovative “earn while you learn” healthcare training. The CO-HELPS apprenticeships have received national and state recognition.
Stackable Pathways
With $15 million in state funding, CCCS is building a “stackable” degree pathway in behavioral health that will train workers in substance misuse and mental health care. We are proud to partner with the Education Design Lab on this initiative.
Kaiser Permanente has a need for medical assistants. Even though we had vacancies and positions available to be filled, it was just really difficult recruiting them. We were able to secure some grant funding and partner with Front Range Community College, which had a well-established apprenticeship program to train our employees. The program has really been a benefit both to the employee and the organization.
Both Pueblo Community College and Parkview benefit with healthcare students learning locally from trained clinical instructors, which also increases their potential for success and allows them to live and work in Pueblo.
Launching Healthcare Careers
“They gave me an opportunity”
Laylonni Jaramillo, a Front Range Community College graduate, was inspired to become an emergency medical technician after witnessing a family tragedy. Read how she’s giving back to her community after receiving free training through Care Forward Colorado.
“What I’m meant to be doing”
Kimberly Jellison took the brave step to enroll in nursing school following the death of her husband Eric. Now, the Durango resident has earned two credentials and is working toward her Bachelor’s degree in nursing with plans to serve in hospice care. Read how she’s keeping her promise to her late husband.
Support Community Colleges
To keep Colorado competitive, we must expand access to high-quality, affordable, and supportive education and training. We need leaders like you to champion community colleges and our students. There are many ways to get involved:
