Month: October 2023

Gov. Jared Polis recognizes CFA’s role in shaping Colorado’s future as an equity-centered Tech Hub

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A consortium of industry leaders, academic institutions, and non-profits is celebrating a major milestone today, announcing their successful bid for Tech Hub designation. The designation is from the Department of Commerce’s Regional Tech Hubs Program. It begins a new era of quantum technology and education in the state. It will allow the Colorado Elevate Quantum Consortium to apply for $40 million – $70 million in implementation funding. TechHubNow!, CFA, and other partners supported the Colorado Elevate Quantum Consortium in their grant application. They will also be helping with implementation.

This designation recognizes Colorado’s decades-long journey to becoming a technology hub. But Elevate Quantum acknowledges the technology sector’s shortcomings. It is committed to forging a future path marked by equity and sustainability. This includes flagship programs that increase awareness of quantum jobs as early as K-12, with a focus on underserved communities.

Partners cited Colorado’s collaborative spirit as the key to driving success in the region. “Colorado’s TechHubNow! was established to accelerate statewide collaboration to highlight Colorado’s strengths as a Tech Hub, aligning with Governor Polis’s priorities around an inclusive workforce,” says Wendy Lea, a TechHubNow! Partner.  

In a press conference on October 26, Gov. Polis thanked CFA and expressed his excitement for the next phase of the work. Read more here. 

Heartland Forward is awarded $1,499,931 to build pathways from secondary schools to nursing careers

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CFA-supported Heartland Forward received $1,499,931 from the Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities grant. The grant supports building career pathways from secondary schools to nursing careers in the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Borders regions.

Heartland Forward joins with the Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Hospital Association, five major employers, and three educational institutions. It will build a clear pathway for secondary students into nursing programs and career apprenticeships. Heartland Forward seeks to support underserved veterans as well as low-income, first-generation, and rural students participating in the program.

Heartland Forward’s project aims to expose 1,050 students to a potential career in nursing. It plans to guide 179 students through the program application process. It will also provide ongoing support such as childcare and transportation as students complete the program. The long-term goal of this project is to see 10% of the students in nursing careers. Heartland Forward will be working in partnership with CFA to implement this work.

“We have heard time and again from legislators, community leaders and patients that the nursing shortage is a major concern with regard to health care,” said Maria Rodriguez-Alcala, Program Director for Health and Wellness at Heartland Forward. “We thank the US Department of Labor and CFA for supporting our vision of developing a comprehensive pathway to nursing careers, particularly in rural communities where this is ever-more essential. We can’t wait to work with our community partners in getting started!”

Read the official press release here.