Legislation to Help Colorado Families Achieve Economic Mobility Clears Committee

SB26-080 would establish a grant program to support community-based Cradle-to-Career initiatives

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, to create a Cradle-to-Career grant program supporting locally-led initiatives that offer education and workforce development training. 

“Cycles of generational poverty persist because, starting from birth, too many Coloradans are not afforded the resources they need to succeed,” Coleman said. “This new grant program would offer those resources to invest directly in communities, support housing and economic stability for Colorado families, and strengthen our state’s workforce by preparing young people for high-demand, family-sustaining careers.” 

SB26-080, cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would create a Cradle-to-Career grant program within the Colorado Department of Human Services to fund community-based efforts that improve economic mobility from prenatal stages through workforce readiness. Eligible applicants include local governments, education providers including higher education institutions, tribes and tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations. 

Program approvals will be overseen by an advisory board and will be funded by Harlem Children’s Zone, a national nonprofit specializing in Cradle-to-Career initiatives. Approved grants would support programs advancing goals like K-12 readiness and academic proficiency, enrollment in skills training and credential attainment, and employment at a good wage. 

SB26-080 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress here.