Elevating Rural Colorado
Building A Thriving Tomorrow By Investing In K-12 Education & Economic Development
In this story
Elevating Rural Colorado reflects on five years of partnership, investment, and growth in rural education and economic development.
The report was developed by Empower Schools, Colorado Education Initiative, Colorado Succeeds, and Lyra Colorado.
It examines how policy, funding, local leadership, and cross-sector collaboration can expand career-connected learning in rural communities.
Since 2015, Empower Schools has partnered with leaders across Colorado to develop the systems-level skills, knowledge, and structural supports needed to bring college and career pathways to public school students. State and national leaders have celebrated Colorado’s progress in advancing career-connected learning as a model for igniting partnerships between education, industry, and government to ensure equitable pathways for all Colorado learners.Over the past five years, the collective visions and investments of state government, philanthropic organizations, and school districts have built on each other to create a story of funding, policy, and partnership that has evolved from individual school district bright spots to powerful regional and economic endeavors poised for breakthrough success.
Why Rural Colorado Is at a Pivotal Moment
This is especially true in rural Colorado.With significant investments in and expansion of career-connected learning, the possibilities in rural Colorado have reached a pivotal moment. Coalescing around a shared desire to create pathways of opportunity for students and families that lead to living wages, connect learning to in-demand jobs, and spur community-driven change, these collective efforts represent a turning point in rural Colorado’s history that could lay the foundation for lasting shared prosperity.
About the Elevating Rural Colorado Report
Today, we extend an invitation for you to explore the depths of our findings and insights. In deep partnership with the Colorado Education Initiative, Colorado Succeeds, and Lyra Colorado, Empower Schools is thrilled to present Elevating Rural Colorado. This report is the culmination of our shared efforts and was developed to enhance understanding of the impactful work being carried out in rural Colorado.It sheds light on the educational and economic advancements emerging within these communities, thoughtfully placing these efforts within the broader narrative of statewide momentum. Dive deeper into our shared journey of innovation, progress, and transformative change. Discover how these collective endeavors are setting a new precedent for rural education and economic development across Colorado.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT SHAPING THE FUTURE OF RURAL COLORADO
Through this collaborative effort, we are excited to share the local initiatives, state programs, and federal resources that have merged to create this pivotal moment.
