The Attainment Network

Data isn’t just about understanding where we are—it’s about charting a more inclusive and successful future for all learners. At the Career-Connected L/Earning Conference, we took a deep dive into how data can identify gaps in current pathways, shape learner-centered approaches, and provide deeper insights into student experiences by elevating student voice. We also explored the foundational work underway to develop a centralized, statewide longitudinal data solution and discussed the path ahead to ensure it delivers consistent, secure, and actionable data for Colorado’s education-to-workforce landscape. We’re excited to continue this important conversation at our next Community of Practice virtual meeting! Join us to hear the latest updates and next steps on Colorado’s longitudinal data system. Stay tuned for details, and if you’re passionate about using data to elevate learning outcomes, we’d love to see you there! #DataDriven #EducationToWorkforce #CareerConnectedLearning 

A promising step forward for Colorado’s students! We’re thrilled to see more high school learners engaging in college courses, as highlighted by @Jason Gonzales in his recent Chalkbeat Colorado. This growth reflects the ongoing transformation of our education-to-workforce systems, ensuring all learners have access to the education and skills they need to thrive in high-value, in-demand careers. The next step? Making sure those hard-earned credits seamlessly transfer toward degrees and certificates that open doors to meaningful careers. 

As the quantum industry takes shape, so must our approach to preparing the next generation of learners for it. At The Attainment Network, we’re leading the way in developing education-to-workforce pathways that are agile and responsive to the rapidly changing demands of emerging industries like quantum computing.  Thanks to Scott Sternberg with CUbit Quantum Initiative for joining us at the Career-Connected L/Earning Conference. Scott shined a light on the critical need to ensure that educational programs keep pace with the evolving needs of the workforce, especially in evolving technologies marked by uncertainty and innovation. If you missed the Career-Connected L/Earning Conference, let’s connect! We’re eager to share how we’re in communities across Colorado to shape the future of workforce development in Colorado.

Advanced technologies in construction are calling to a new generation of learners and earners. At The Attainment Network, we’re focused on listening to learners and earners to connect their interests with the needs of evolving industries. As highlighted at the Career-Connected L/Earning Conference, it’s clear that today’s learners are drawn to innovation, like robotics and advanced technologies. Thank you to Zachary Mannheimer of Alquist 3D for showing us how we can ignite that spark—by introducing exciting, tech-driven opportunities that attract and inspire young people to join the trades. Missed the conference? Let’s connect to discuss how to generate partnerships with advanced tech industries and education to prepare learners for high-value, in-demand careers.

Creating pathways to success for learners means creating diverse opportunities to meet local workforce needs. Thanks to our long-time partner Jill Ruiter from the Aurora Public Schools Foundation for joining us at the Career-Connected L/Earning Conference, where leaders from school districts, BOCES, postsecondary institutions and employers gained insights and explored best practices for building diverse, adaptable pathways that empower all learners to thrive in the local workforce. Learn more about how the community in Aurora is reshaping education-to-workforce systems, setting learners up with diverse opportunities to enter high-value healthcare careers: https://bit.ly/3yNBr3s Missed the conference? Let’s connect to talk about how your community can generate the collaboration necessary to create lasting changes in education-to-workforce systems and empower diverse learners for high-value careers.

There is a massive gap between traditional student loan financing and the actual cost of acquiring the education and real-world skills necessary to enter high-value careers. Thank you Michele Joo Shank and Tristan Fleming for supporting the Career-Connected L/Earning Conference and sharing financing strategies for employers to Attract, Develop, and Retain Top Talent. For example, the innovative Pay it Forward Fund program provides 0% interest loans to learners so they can access education and training opportunities. Loan repayments are tied to career and economic outcomes and recycled back into the fund to support future learners. So smart!     And thanks for reminding us that as part of the CARES Act, employers can contribute up to $5,250 tax free to their employees’ student loans. Congress extended this until Dec. 31, 2025. Such a great retention and upskilling tool for employers.  

Our team members Ashley Maestas, MPA and Stefan Richarz are excited to represent The Attainment Network at this week's Colorado Department of Higher Education Higher Education Equity Day of Action. They’re eager to spark meaningful conversations and forge partnerships that will help reshape how we prepare learners for high-value, in-demand careers. Looking forward to connecting with others who are passionate about creating equitable opportunities for learners! #Equity #LearnersAndEarners

Driving lasting change in education and workforce development. The Career-Connected L/Earning Conference brought together leaders from education and industry to share insights and forge connections that are shaping the future of Colorado’s education-to-workforce systems. From evolving technologies like quantum computing to using drone soccer for STEM engagement and leveraging data-driven strategies to improve outcomes for diverse learners, we explored best practices that empower learners for high-value careers. Missed it? Check out the video highlights and hear directly from the leaders who are  transforming career-connected learning!

Our own Ashley Maestas, MPA will be connecting with the local Economic Development and employers in Upper Rio Grande Economic Development's Monthly Meeting tomorrow. We're excited to hear what's happening!

We are proud to support the powerful partnership in the San Luis Valley that is equipping diverse learners with the education and skills necessary to enter and advance in meaningful healthcare careers. Discover how this community is uniting to address critical workforce needs and drive real change.  #LearningAndEarning, Ashley Maestas, MPA, Adams State University, Trinidad State College, San Luis Valley Health, Brittany Sours, Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc., Rio Grande Hospital (Valley Citizens Foundation for Health Care), San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group, SAN LUIS VALLEY REGIONAL MEDICAL CTR, BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF THE SAN LUIS VALLEY INC, SLV AHEC, CDLE Alamosa Workforce Center & SLV BOCES/SWAP