We’re evolving school-to-work systems across Colorado
sign up for UPDATES
2026 Career-Connected L/Earning Conference
Build your capacity to turn policy and ideas into education-to-workforce pathways that deliver real economic mobility. Join peers from across the Mountain West on Oct. 29-30 in Colorado Springs.
News and Updates
We’re excited to connect with partners across Colorado — and beyond — this February, as we deepen collaboration and continue learning together to advance system-level change. From the state Capitol to Arizona to New Orleans, we can’t wait to work alongside both longtime collaborators and new partners. Here’s where you’ll find us this February: 🗓️ February 2–3 🔹 New Pathways: Arizona Convening – Phoenix, AZ Libby will attend this two-day gathering hosted by Getting Smart , focused on designing a new, unbundled learning ecosystem for Arizona. The convening will spotlight innovative models like microschools and out-of-system learning, with an emphasis on community-powered pathways. 🗓️ February 4 🔹 The Next Chapter of A Stronger Nation: From Progress to Payoff – Virtual Stefan and Katherine will join this Lumina Foundation webinar exploring national progress on postsecondary attainment. 🗓️ February 18–20 🔹 National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) Conference – New Orleans, LA Stefan and Ashley will present on The Attainment Network’s work in the San Luis Valley, where partners are creating entry points and upskilling opportunities that lead to high-value, in-demand healthcare careers. Their session will highlight early outcomes and share strategies for building durable, cross-sector talent pipelines in rural communities. 🗓️ February 20 🔹 Navigate Your Health Career Summit – MSU Denver Rana and Michelle will join students, faculty, and healthcare partners for this annual summit focused on helping high school, community college, and postsecondary learners explore careers in healthcare through storytelling, equity-centered sessions, and hands-on engagement. Rana will also serve on a panel exploring the wide variety of health careers and how students can access them. 🗓️ February 23 🔹 Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Day at the Capitol – Denver Stefan and Michelle will represent The Attainment Network at the State Capitol. Sponsored by the Homegrown Talent Coalition , the event is designed to elevate career-connected learning and policy efforts that help Colorado learners earn college credit, industry credentials, and real-world experience. 🗓️ February 25 🔹 State of the Data Convening – Virtual Join us from 1 to 2 p.m. for an update on the progress of Colorado’s Longitudinal Data System. Partners from OIT , the Better Data for Better Decisions Coalition , CEEMI , and The Attainment Network will share milestones, lessons learned, and what’s ahead. Register here We hope to see you at one of these events, or hear from you if you're working on similar efforts in your region. Let's keep the momentum going!
Join us on February 25 for The State of the Data Convening
Colorado’s Moment of Opportunity
Meeting Healthcare workforce needs and expanding hope and opportunity for learners
Beneath the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges, the communities in the San Luis Valley are grappling with some of the state’s highest poverty rates and an economy constrained by a critical shortage of skilled workers.
With more than 20 percent of the population in some Valley communities living below the federal poverty level, there is a pervasive sense of “generational hopelessness” among the local youth, according to longtime resident Rachael Cheslock.