Senate Approves Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Adult Education in Colorado

SB23-007 will get Coloradans the digital literacy training they need to land jobs, help address workforce shortages

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation aimed at improving adult literacy education and addressing workforce shortages in Colorado, championed by Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, cleared the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, SB23-007 provides $2 million to create more opportunities for diverse adult learners across Colorado and adds digital literacy programs to educational offerings for adults provided by adult education providers who receive funds from the adult education and literacy grant program.

“Every Coloradan deserves at the very least a basic education that enables them to become self-sufficient and fully participate in society - but not everyone has the education and training they need to land a good-paying job and care for themselves and their family,” Zenzinger said. “This legislation will help thousands of Coloradans bolster their digital skills and get the critical education they need to reach their career potential, provide for their families, and live their Colorado dream.”

According to the Colorado Adult Education Coalition, 300,000 Coloradans lack a high school credential, and 10 percent of Colorado children rely on a head of household who doesn’t have a high school diploma, which blocks individuals from many good-paying jobs and promotions that would help them better meet their needs and provide for their families.

SB23-007 defines digital literacy as "skills associated with using technology that enables users to find, evaluate, organize, create, disseminate, and communicate information online."

The bill also streamlines reporting and requirements for the adult education and literacy grant program including demographic information, post-program employment rates, and literacy skills gained, and it allows community colleges, technical colleges, and colleges to develop graduation requirements for high school diplomas based on standards from the State Board of Education. 

SB23-007 now heads to the House for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.