Second Regular Session
Seventy-third General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
REENGROSSED
This Version Includes All Amendments
Adopted in the House of Introduction
LLS NO. 22-0648.01 Kristen Forrestal x4217
SENATE BILL 22-140
Senate Committees House Committees
Business, Labor, & Technology
Appropriations
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING THE EXPANSION OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING101
OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMPLOYERS ,102
AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH , ESTABLISHING A103
WORK-BASED LEARNING INCENTIVE PROGRAM , A DIGITAL104
NAVIGATION PROGRAM , A CAREER-ALIGNED ENGLISH AS A105
SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM ,
A GLOBAL TALENT TASK106
FORCE TO STUDY IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS , AND MAKING AN107
APPROPRIATION.108
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
SENATE
3rd Reading Unamended
April 21, 2022
SENATE
Amended 2nd Reading
April 20, 2022
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Coleman and Gardner, Bridges, Buckner, Danielson, Donovan, Fenberg, Fields, Ginal,
Gonzales, Hansen, Hinrichsen, Jaquez Lewis, Lee, Moreno, Pettersen, Rodriguez, Story,
Winter, Zenzinger
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
McLachlan,
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing statute.
Dashes through the words indicate deletions from existing statute. http://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill requires the department of labor and employment
(department), in partnership with the business experiential-learning
commission in the department, the office of economic development, the
state work force development council, the departments of education and
higher education, the state board for community colleges and
occupational education, and area technical colleges, to provide incentives
to eligible employers to create high-quality, work-based learning
opportunities for adults and youth (incentive program).
The department is required to select at least 2 work-based learning
intermediaries (intermediaries) to coordinate employers, schools, youth,
and adults participating in the incentive program to establish work-based
learning opportunities and select employers to participate in the incentive
program.
The department shall provide monetary incentives to the selected
intermediaries and employers for the implementation of work-based
learning opportunities. The department is required to compile data
concerning the incentive program and submit a report to the business
committees of the senate and house of representatives during the "State
Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART)
Government Act" hearings held each legislative session.
The office of future work in the department and its partners are
required to create a digital navigation program and employ digital
navigators to:
! Reach out to youth and adults who have been historically
excluded or disengaged from work-based learning
opportunities and connect them with available
opportunities;
! Address digital inequities, including access to digital
technology and computer skills training, cybersecurity, and
affordable internet service;
! Refer youth and adults to career navigation services; and
! Provide a one-stop service that includes: Making referrals
to work-based learning programs; facilitating enrollment in
digital literacy classes, workshops, and upskilling and
work-based learning opportunities; and assisting with
digital skill development, job applications, and access to
other benefits and services.
The office of new Americans in the department is required to:
! Convene an 18-month global talent task force to study the
process for certain in-demand occupational licenses, look
at international credentials, and take advantage of the
global pool of skilled workers; and
! Provide tools for new Americans and English language
learners to enter into work-based learning programs to
140
-2- improve language and skills development for specific
occupations and careers.
The bill authorizes the executive director of the department to
promulgate rules to implement the incentive program and the digital
navigation program.
The general assembly is required to appropriate $6,100,000 to the
department for the purposes of the bill.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly2
hereby finds and declares that:3
(a) The global pandemic has exacerbated challenges employers4
face in finding the talent they need, and as our economy recovers from the5
pandemic, Colorado also faces a looming worker shortage over the6
coming decades;7
(b) To address the worker shortage, many employers are interested8
in providing high-quality, work-based learning for students and adults but9
face challenges in making that a reality;10
(c) Expanding experiential, work-based learning opportunities for11
adults and youth is a worthwhile state investment. Evidence from multiple12
sources shows that students benefit from experiential learning13
opportunities, leading to higher grade point averages, greater engagement,14
and stronger postsecondary outcomes and career readiness after high15
school.16
(d) Work-based learning allows youth and adults to explore new17
opportunities, build skills, and transition to new career pathways as work18
continues to evolve. Research shows paid work-based learning is a strong19
tool for increasing equitable access to opportunities for youth and adults20
from a variety of income backgrounds.21
(e) The state has a variety of programs focused on providing22
140-3- employers with training dollars for upskilling members of the current1
workforce, but not many of these programs explicitly allow training2
dollars to support youth who might be employed on a part-time basis as3
an intern or apprentice or focus on the entire continuum of high-quality,4
work-based learning experiences;5
(f) Eligible employers wanting to offer high-quality, work-based6
learning opportunities to youth and adults would benefit from funding to7
help with the start-up costs associated with developing these programs,8
including training dollars that could be used in partnership with9
institutions of higher education or other training providers;10
(g) Colorado has untapped talent pools that can meet the demands11
of employers in the near term. Twenty percent of Coloradans speak a12
language other than English at home, with the majority of these13
Coloradans representing immigrant families. Addressing language14
barriers through the alignment of education and employment can create15
immediate access to talent for employers.16
(h) Many youth and adults lack sufficient digital problem-solving17
skills. In Colorado, over 60,000 households with children in the K-1218
education system have inconsistent access to computers and the internet.19
Closing the digital divide for disconnected Coloradans creates new20
opportunities for participation in society and the economy, especially in21
critical and growing industries including construction, education, health22
care, and technology.23
(2) Therefore, the general assembly:24
(a) Declares that it supports employers, youth, and adults and has25
an interest in aligning the talent development ecosystem to maximize26
economic impact;27
140
-4- (b) Finds:1
(I) Value in incentivizing employers to increase the number of2
adults and youth participating in work-based learning and intends for the3
state to ensure an equal proportion of adults and youth benefit from4
opportunities created by a work-based learning incentive program;5
(II) That the state should prioritize addressing barriers in adopting6
high-quality, work-based learning models and helping youth and adults7
access high-quality, work-based learning and employment through the8
creation of programs that close the digital divide and eliminate language9
barriers; and10
(III) Value in aligning and accelerating work-based learning and11
skills-based hiring in existing state-funded programs in education,12
including higher education; training; and employment; and13
(c) Intends for the state to ensure that programs are coordinated14
in a way that maximizes participation for employers, youth, and adults.15
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add part 6 to article16
83 of title 8 as follows:17
PART 618
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING19
8-83-601. Definitions. A
S USED IN THIS PART 6:20
(1) "C
OMMISSION" MEANS THE BUSINESS EXPERIENTIAL-LEARNING21
COMMISSION IN THE DEPARTMENT CREATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER B 201522
004,
WHICH WORKS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC23
DEVELOPMENT AND THE WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL , OR A24
SUBSEQUENT ENTITY ESTABLISHED FOR THE SAME OR SIMILAR PURPOSE .25
(2) "D
IGITAL EQUITY" MEANS THE CONDITION IN WHICH26
INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES HAVE ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION27
140
-5- TECHNOLOGY THAT IS NEEDED FOR FULL PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY AND1
THE ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES.2
(3) (a) "D
IGITAL INCLUSION" MEANS THE ACTIVITIES THAT ARE3
NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ALL INDIVIDUALS IN THE STATE HAVE4
ACCESS TO, AND THE USE OF , AFFORDABLE INFORMATION AND5
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES , SUCH AS:6
(I) R
ELIABLE FIXED AND WIRELESS BR OADBAND INTERNET7
SERVICE;8
(II) I
NTERNET-ENABLED DEVICES THAT MEET THE NEEDS OF THE9
USER; AND10
(III) A
PPLICATIONS AND ONLINE CONTENT DESIGNED TO ENABLE11
AND ENCOURAGE SELF -SUFFICIENCY, PARTICIPATION , AND12
COLLABORATION.13
(b) "D
IGITAL INCLUSION" INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO OBTAIN:14
(I) A
CCESS TO DIGITAL LITERACY TRAINING;15
(II) Q
UALITY TECHNICAL SUPPORT; AND16
(III) B
ASIC AWARENESS OF MEASURES TO ENSURE ONLINE PRIVACY17
AND CYBERSECURITY.18
(4) "D
IGITAL LITERACY" MEANS THE SKILLS ASSOCIATED WITH19
USING TECHNOLOGY THAT ENABLE USERS TO FIND , EVALUATE, ORGANIZE,20
CREATE, DISSEMINATE, AND COMMUNICATE INFORMATION .21
(5) "I
NCENTIVE PROGRAM" MEANS THE WORK-BASED LEARNING22
INCENTIVE PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 8-83-602.23
(6) "N
EXT-SKILLING" MEANS ACTIVITIES TO DEVELOP24
FUTURE-READY SKILLS NECESSARY FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE25
TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY AND INCLUDES THE FOCUS AREAS OF HUMAN26
SKILLS, DIGITAL SKILLS, BUSINESS SKILLS, GROWTH MINDSET, AND A27
140
-6- LIFELONG LEARNING MINDSET.1
(7) "O
FFICE" MEANS THE OFFICE OF FUTURE WORK DESCRIBED IN2
SECTION 8-77-110.3
(8) "O
FFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT " MEANS THE COLORADO4
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CREATED IN SECTION 24-48.5-101.5
(9) "O
FFICE OF NEW AMERICANS" MEANS THE OFFICE CREATED IN6
SECTION 8-3.7-103.7
(10) "P
ROGRAM" MEANS THE STATEWIDE DIGITAL NAVIGATOR8
PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION 8-83-603.9
(11) (a) "R
ESKILLING" MEANS ACTIVITIES TO:10
(I) S
UPPORT UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS11
WHO NEED OR WANT TO CHANGE INDUSTRIES IN ORDER TO RETURN TO12
FULL-TIME WORK OR WHO NEED OR WANT TO OBTAIN MORE APPROPRIATE13
WORK-BASED SKILLS; AND14
(II) H
ELP UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS15
ACHIEVE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY.16
(b) "R
ESKILLING" MAY INCLUDE TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR NEW17
POSITIONS AND NEW CAREERS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING FOR18
INDIVIDUALS WHO WISH TO PURSUE SELF -EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS19
OWNERSHIP.20
(12) "S
KILLS-BASED HIRING" MEANS HIRING A PERSON BASED ON21
THE PERSON'S KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES THAT ARE SPECIFIC TO22
THE JOB FOR WHICH THE PERSON IS BEING CONSIDERED .23
(13) "T
ARGET POPULATIONS" INCLUDES:24
(a) A
NY HOUSEHOLD WITH AN INCOME THAT IS NOT MORE THAN25
ONE HUNDRED FIFTY PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL , AS26
DETERMINED BY THE MOST CURRENT FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES27
140
-7- ISSUED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN1
SERVICES; 2
(b) I
NDIVIDUALS WHO ARE FIFTY YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER ;3
(c) I
NDIVIDUALS WHO ARE OR WERE INCARCERATED ;4
(d) V
ETERANS;5
(e) I
NDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES;6
(f) I
NDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE RECENTLY IMMIGRATED TO THE7
U
NITED STATES AND RESIDE IN THIS STATE;8
(g) I
NDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS ; 9
(h) I
NDIVIDUALS WITH LOW LEVELS OF LITERACY ;10
11
(i) INDIVIDUALS WHO PRIMARILY RESIDE IN RURAL AREAS ;12
(j) INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS ; AND13
(k) YOUTH.14
(l4) "U
PSKILLING" MEANS ACTIVITIES TO INCREASE THE SKILL15
LEVELS OF AN EMPLOYEE SO THE EMPLOYEE IS ABLE TO RETAIN16
EMPLOYMENT AND ADVANCE WITHIN A COMPANY .17
(15) (a) "W
ORK-BASED LEARNING" MEANS LEARNING THAT18
OCCURS, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN THE WORKPLACE THAT PROVIDES YOUTH19
AND ADULTS WITH HANDS-ON, REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING20
FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT.21
(b) "W
ORK-BASED LEARNING" INCLUDES ACTIVITIES SUCH AS JOB22
SHADOWING, INTERNSHIPS, EXTERNSHIPS, PRE-APPRENTICESHIPS,23
APPRENTICESHIPS, RESIDENCIES, AND INCUMBENT-WORKER TRAINING.24
(16) "W
ORK-BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARY " MEANS AN ENTITY25
SELECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 8-83-602 (3).26
(17) "W
ORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL " MEANS THE STATE27
140
-8- WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL CREATED IN SECTION 24-46.3-101.1
(18) "Y
OUTH" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL ELIGIBLE TO BE EDUCATED2
IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM PURSUANT TO SECTION 2 OF ARTICLE IX OF3
THE STATE CONSTITUTION.4
8-83-602. Work-based learning incentive program - creation
5
- rules - appropriation. (1) Work-based learning incentive program.6
(a) O
N OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2023, THE DEPARTMENT , IN7
CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSION , THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC8
DEVELOPMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION , THE DEPARTMENT OF9
HIGHER EDUCATION, THE STATE BOARD FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND10
OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION , LOCAL DISTRICT COLLEGES,
THE WORK FORCE11
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AND AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGES, AS DEFINED IN12
SECTION 23-60-103, SHALL ESTABLISH A WORK -BASED LEARNING13
INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO PROVIDE MONETARY INCENTIVES TO SELECTED14
EMPLOYERS TO CREATE HIGH -QUALITY, WORK-BASED LEARNING15
OPPORTUNITIES THAT BENEFIT ADULTS AND YOUTH .16
(b) I
N ADMINISTERING THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM , THE17
DEPARTMENT SHALL STRIVE TO CREATE AN EQUAL PROPORTION OF18
WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS AND TO19
SELECT EMPLOYERS AND WORK -BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARIES WITH20
THE GOAL OF INCREASING THE NUMBER OF YOUTH AND ADULTS21
PARTICIPATING IN WORK-BASED LEARNING. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL22
SELECT WORK-BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARIES THAT :23
(I) D
EMONSTRATE EXPERTISE IN AND A CONTINUED COMMITMENT24
TO CONNECTING, EDUCATING, AND COACHING EMPLOYERS REGARDING25
WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS AND YOUTH , SUCH26
AS A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE , A NONPROFIT ENTITY, AN INDUSTRY27
140
-9- ASSOCIATION, A LOCAL WORKFORCE AREA, A REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP1
PROGRAM, OR A LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITY ;2
(II) W
ORK WITHIN AND ACROSS THE STATE TO PARTNER WITH3
MULTIPLE EMPLOYERS; LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS, INSTITUTIONS OF4
HIGHER EDUCATION, OR OTHER EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES ; AND OTHER5
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES TO FACILITATE WORK -BASED LEARNING6
EXPERIENCES;
7
(III) S
UPPORT EMPLOYERS IN IMPLEMENTING WORK -BASED8
LEARNING IN COLLABORATION WITH THE COMMISSION AND IN ALIGNMENT9
WITH THE WORK-BASED LEARNING QUALITY EXPECTATIONS DEVELOPED IN10
SUBSECTION (5) OF THIS SECTION; AND
11
(IV) S
UPPORT EMPLOYERS IN LEARNING ABOUT THE WORK -BASED
12
LEARNING QUALITY EXPECTATIONS AND SHARE BEST PRACTICES FOR13
MEETING THE WORK -BASED LEARNING QUALITY EXPECTATIONS14
DEVELOPED IN SUBSECTION (5) OF THIS SECTION.15
(2) Department responsibilities.
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL: 16
(a) T
HROUGH AN APPLICATION PROCESS , SELECT EMPLOYERS AND17
AT LEAST TWO WORK-BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARIES TO PARTICIPATE18
IN THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM WITH THE GOAL OF MAXIMIZING REGIONAL19
DIVERSITY AND ENGAGING THE OPTIMUM NUMBER OF EMPLOYER20
PARTICIPANTS IN HIGH-DEMAND INDUSTRIES AS DETERMINED BY THE21
ANNUAL COLORADO TALENT REPORT PREPARED PURSUANT TO SECTION
22
24-46.3-103
(3);
23
(b) F
OR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING INCENTIVES TO EMPLOYERS24
TO PROVIDE WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUTH AND25
ADULTS, ALLOCATE MONEY DIRECTLY TO EMPLOYERS AND TO26
WORK-BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARIES ;27
140
-10- (c) OUTLINE PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS FOR WORK -BASED1
LEARNING INTERMEDIARIES AND EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATING IN THE2
INCENTIVE PROGRAM THAT INCLUDE THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT3
TO DISCONTINUE AN ENTITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM4
IF THE ENTITY FAILS TO MEET THE EXPECTATIONS;5
(d) O
UTLINE A SCALE FOR THE AMOUNT OF MONEY AWARDED TO6
AN EMPLOYER BASED ON CRITERIA SUCH AS THE DURATION OF7
WORK-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES , THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS ,8
GEOGRAPHY, BUSINESS SIZE, AND OTHER FACTORS;9
(e) C
OLLECT DATA CONCERNING THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM THAT10
INCLUDES:11
(I) T
HE WORK-BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARIES PARTICIPATING12
IN THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM;13
(II) T
HE NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATING IN THE INCENTIVE14
PROGRAM;15
(III) T
HE NUMBER OF WORK -BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES16
PROVIDED BY EMPLOYERS AND THE NUMBER OF WORK -BASED LEARNING17
HOURS COMPLETED;18
(IV) T
HE NUMBER OF WORK -BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES19
THAT LED TO A JOB IN THE RESPECTIVE INDUSTRY;20
(V) T
HE NUMBER OF YOUTH AND ADULT PARTICIPANTS IN THE21
INCENTIVE PROGRAM, INCLUDING EMPLOYEES, INTERNS, APPRENTICES, OR22
OTHER INDIVIDUALS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM ;23
(VI) T
HE DE-IDENTIFIED DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OF THE24
INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING IN THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM , INCLUDING25
RACE, GEOGRAPHIC REGION OR ZIP CODE, AND WHETHER THE INDIVIDUALS26
MEET LOW-INCOME CRITERIA AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT ; AND27
140
-11- (VII) ANY OUTCOMES AND DATA TO MEASURE THE SUCCESS OF1
THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM, INCLUDING OUTCOMES RELATED TO EMPLOYERS2
THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM AND SUBSEQUENTLY3
ADOPTED WORK-BASED LEARNING AS A BUSINESS PRACTICE BEYOND THE4
INCENTIVE PROGRAM'S DURATION.5
(f) E
NSURE THAT YOUTH AND ADULTS ARE MADE AWARE OF6
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO LEARN IN THE WORKPLACE AT THE SAME7
TIME AS EARNING AN INCOME THROUGH THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM ;
8
(g) P
ROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND PLANNING ASSISTANCE
9
TO EMPLOYERS AND WORK-BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARIES REGARDING10
THE WORK-BASED LEARNING QUALITY EXPECTATIONS DEVELOPED IN11
SUBSECTION (5) OF THIS SECTION; AND12
(h) BEGINNING IN 2023 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER , SUBMIT A13
REPORT COMPILING THE DATA COLLECTED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION14
(2)(e)
OF THIS SECTION TO THE SENATE BUSINESS , LABOR, AND15
TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BUSINESS16
AFFAIRS AND LABOR COMMITTEE , OR THEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES ,17
DURING THE HEARINGS HELD UNDER THE "STATE MEASUREMENT FOR18
A
CCOUNTABLE, RESPONSIVE, AND TRANSPARENT (SMART)19
G
OVERNMENT ACT", PART 2 OF ARTICLE 7 OF TITLE 2.20
(3) Selection as a work-based learning intermediary. I
N ORDER21
TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR SELECTION AS A22
WORK-BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARY , THE ENTITY SHALL SUBMIT AN23
APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT IN A FORM AND MANNER ESTABLISHED24
BY THE DEPARTMENT , WHICH MUST BE A SIMPLIFIED APPLICATION25
DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE EMPLOYER PARTICIPATION . IN THE APPLICATION,26
THE ENTITY SHALL:27
140
-12- (a) DEMONSTRATE THE ENTITY 'S RECORD OF CONNECTING1
EMPLOYERS WITH LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS , INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER2
EDUCATION, OR OTHER TRAINING PROVIDERS SUCH AS REGISTERED3
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS;4
(b) O
UTLINE HOW THE ENTITY PLANS TO BRING EMPLOYERS , LOCAL5
EDUCATION PROVIDERS,
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION , OR6
OTHER TRAINING PROVIDERS SUCH AS REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP7
PROGRAMS TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSES OF THE INCENTIVE8
PROGRAM;9
(c) O
UTLINE HOW THE ENTITY WILL MEET OR EXCEED THE QUALITY10
EXPECTATIONS FOR WORK-BASED LEARNING ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE11
PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (5) OF THIS SECTION; AND12
(d) S
UBMIT ANY OTHER INFORMATION DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY13
THE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING AN ATTESTATION OF A COMMITMENT TO14
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE.15
(4) Responsibilities of work-based learning intermediaries. A16
WORK-BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARY SHALL DIRECTLY FACILITATE17
WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES WITH EMPLOYERS THROUGH18
INCENTIVE PAYMENTS MADE DIRECTLY TO EMPLOYERS FOR TECHNICAL19
ASSISTANCE, BUSINESS COACHING, AND OTHER TYPES OF SUPPORT .20
W
ORK-BASED LEARNING INTERMEDIARIES AND EMPLOYERS MAY USE21
INCENTIVE PAYMENTS FOR:22
(a) S
TART-UP MANAGEMENT COSTS FOR EMPLOYERS TO CREATE23
WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS , INCLUDING TRAINING FOR24
EMPLOYERS TO ESTABLISH AND MANAGE A WORK -BASED LEARNING25
PROGRAM;26
(b) D
EVELOPING AND PROVIDING PERSONALIZED PARTICIPANT27
140
-13- SUPPORTS, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE , AND PARTNERING1
WITH OTHER ENTITIES TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO OR REFERRALS FOR2
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, LEARNING SUPPORTS, FINANCIAL ADVISING, AND3
OTHER TYPES OF SUPPORT TO ENSURE ADULTS AND YOUTH CAN4
PARTICIPATE IN WORK-BASED LEARNING;5
(c) E
DUCATING EMPLOYERS ON HOW TO WORK WITH LOCAL6
EDUCATION PROVIDERS AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO7
CREATE CAREER-CONNECTED LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS ;8
(d) T
RAINING COSTS, INCLUDING ENROLLMENT , REGISTRATION,9
AND COURSE FEES FOR PARTICIPATION IN CLASSROOM TRAINING AND10
CERTIFICATIONS ALIGNED WITH WORK -BASED LEARNING;11
(e) P
ROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR EMPLOYERS WHO PARTICIPATE IN12
THE DELIVERY OF EDUCATION SERVICES ;13
(f) A
NY SERVICES, RESOURCES, AND SUPPORT IDENTIFIED BY14
EMPLOYERS TO SUPPORT WORK -BASED LEARNING THAT ALIGN WITH THE15
PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION , INCLUDING FOSTERING REGIONAL16
PARTNERSHIPS BY SECTOR OR INDUSTRY AND HIRING A BUSINESS COACH17
OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO ACT AS A LIAISON BETWEEN A WORK -BASED18
LEARNING INTERMEDIARY AND EMPLOYERS RECEIVING INCENTIVE19
PAYMENTS; AND20
(g) E
NSURING ALIGNMENT WITH AND AVOIDING DUPLICATION OF21
EXISTING PROGRAMS AND, WHERE PRACTICABLE, LEVERAGING EXISTING22
RESOURCES.23
(5) Work-based learning quality expectations. T
HE OFFICE, IN24
CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT , THE COMMISSION, THE OFFICE OF25
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT , THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION , THE26
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION , THE STATE BOARD FOR COMMUNITY27
140
-14- COLLEGES AND OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION , AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGES,1
AND THE WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL , SHALL:2
(a) O
N OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15, 2022, DEVELOP WORK-BASED3
LEARNING QUALITY EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS , TAKING INTO4
CONSIDERATION:5
(I) H
OW THE EXPECTATIONS ALIGN WITH EMPLOYER NEEDS ;6
(II) E
VIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES;7
(III) T
HE POTENTIAL OUTCOMES OF WORK -BASED LEARNING8
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS ;
9
(IV) O
PPORTUNITIES TO AWARD EDUCATIONAL CREDIT OR10
PAYMENT FOR WORK-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES ;
11
(V) A
LIGNMENT WITH THE MINIMUM STANDARDS SET BY THE
12
FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OR THE STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY ,13
WHERE APPLICABLE; AND14
(VI) G
RADUATION AND COMPLETIONS RATES OF THE PROGRAMS ,
15
WHERE APPLICABLE; AND16
(b) R
EVIEW AND REVISE THE WORK -BASED LEARNING QUALITY17
EXPECTATIONS EVERY FIVE YEARS , INCLUDING CONSIDERATION OF:18
(I) T
HE RELEVANCE OF AND INNOVATIONS IN WORK -BASED19
LEARNING;20
(II) W
HETHER WORK-BASED LEARNING IS DYNAMIC AND21
RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF BUSINESS AND EDUCATION PARTNERS ;22
(III) H
OW THE WORK-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES ALIGN WITH23
EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS FOR ADULTS AND YOUTH IN HIGH -WAGE,24
HIGH-DEMAND JOBS; AND25
(IV) T
HE QUALITY OF WORK -BASED LEARNING PROVIDED TO26
PARTICIPANTS IN THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM .27
140
-15- (6) Appropriation. F OR THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE1
GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE THREE MILLION DOLLARS FROM2
THE GENERAL FUND TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS3
SECTION. ANY UNEXPENDED MONEY REMAINING AT THE END OF THE4
2022-23
STATE FISCAL YEAR:5
(a) D
OES NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OTHER6
FUND;7
(b) M
AY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE 2023-24 STATE
8
FISCAL YEAR WITHOUT FURTHER APPROPRIATION ; AND9
(c) S
HALL NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER THAN THE10
PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.11
(7) Rules. T
HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT MAY12
PROMULGATE RULES TO IMPLEMENT THIS SECTION .13
8-83-603. Statewide digital navigator program - office of14
future work - rules - appropriation. (1) O
N OR BEFORE JANUARY 1,15
2023,
THE OFFICE SHALL CREATE A STATEWIDE DIGITAL NAVIGATOR16
PROGRAM. THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO ADDRESS DIGITAL17
INEQUITIES THAT PREVENT YOUTH AND ADULTS FROM SECURING18
EMPLOYMENT. TO ADDRESS DIGITAL INEQUITIES, THE PROGRAM MAY19
PROVIDE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS , INCLUDING ACCESS TO DIGITAL20
TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY
SKILLS TRAINING, AND21
AFFORDABLE INTERNET SERVICE THROUGH THE EMPLOYMENT OF DIGITAL22
NAVIGATORS. THE OFFICE SHALL, THROUGH AN APPLICATION PROCESS ,23
SELECT AT LEAST ONE ADMINISTERING ENTITY TO ADMINISTER THE24
DIGITAL NAVIGATOR PROGRAM . THE DIGITAL NAVIGATOR PROGRAM WILL25
DEPLOY DIGITAL NAVIGATORS TO :26
(a) (I) C
ONDUCT OUTREACH TO TARGET POPULATIONS IN NEED OF27
140
-16- INTERNET ACCESS, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND DIGITAL SKILLS; 1
(II) P
ROVIDE TECHNOLOGY AND LITERACY SUPPORT TO TARGET2
POPULATIONS; AND3
(III) C
ONNECT TARGET POPULATIONS TO RESOURCES IN ORDER TO4
REMOVE BARRIERS TO TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT ;5
(b) M
AKE REFERRALS TO AND FACILITATE ENROLLMENT OF6
TARGET POPULATIONS IN:7
(I) D
IGITAL LITERACY CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS ;8
(II) R
ESKILLING, UPSKILLING, AND NEXT-SKILLING OPPORTUNITIES;9
(III) S
UPPORT SERVICES;10
(IV) B
ASIC LITERACY OR NUMERACY INSTRUCTION OR TUTORING ;11
(V) W
ORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ; AND12
(VI) W
ORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES , INCLUDING13
WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES CREATED IN SECTION 8-83-602; 14
(c) C
ONNECT TARGET POPULATIONS TO LOW -COST INTERNET15
PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES ;16
(d) I
DENTIFY AND HELP DISTRIBUTE THE NECESSARY17
TECHNOLOGIES TO TARGET POPULATIONS ;18
(e) P
ROVIDE AD HOC BASIC DIGITAL SKILLS SUPPORT TO TARGET19
POPULATIONS, INCLUDING:20
(I) S
ETTING UP A COMPUTER;21
(II) C
ONNECTING A DEVICE TO THE INTERNET ; AND22
(III) A
SSISTING PEOPLE IN COMPLETING A JOB SEARCH, CREATING23
A PROFILE THROUGH THE MY COLORADO JOURNEY PLATFORM24
ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ,25
CREATING AN ACCOUNT WITH THE CONNECTING COLORADO STUDENTS26
GRANT PROGRAM CREATED IN ARTICLE 103 OF TITLE 23, AND APPLYING27
140
-17- FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS THROUGH ONLINE APPLICATIONS ;1
(f) S
ERVE AS ON-THE-GROUND DATA COLLECTORS TO PROVIDE A2
DETAILED PICTURE OF COLORADO COMMUNITY NEEDS TO INFORM THE3
OFFICE AND ITS PARTNERS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION4
ON WHERE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES SHOULD BE INVESTED ; AND 5
(g) A
LIGN AND COORDINATE WITH OTHER NAVIGATOR PROGRAMS6
AND SERVICE PROVIDERS.7
(2) I
N ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE OFFICE FOR SELECTION AS8
THE ADMINISTERING ENTITY OF THE DIGITAL NAVIGATOR PROGRAM , AN9
ENTITY SHALL SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE OFFICE , IN A FORM AND10
MANNER ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE , THAT:11
(a) D
EMONSTRATES THE ENTITY 'S RECORD OF CONDUCTING12
OUTREACH TO A TARGET POPULATION OR MULTIPLE TARGET POPULATIONS ;13
(b) O
UTLINES HOW THE ENTITY PLANS TO PARTNER WITH14
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS THAT INCLUDE A PUBLIC SCHOOL , A PUBLIC15
OR MULTIFAMILY HOUSING AUTHORITY , A LIBRARY, A HEALTH-CARE16
PROVIDER, A COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR OTHER INSTITUTION OF HIGHER17
EDUCATION, A STATE LIBRARY AGENCY, A PUBLIC WORKFORCE CENTER ,18
AND ANY OTHER NONPROFIT OR GOVERNMENTAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT19
ORGANIZATION, AS APPLICABLE, TO ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSES OF THE20
PROGRAM; AND21
(c) D
ESCRIBES THE ENTITY'S ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY TO22
SUCCESSFULLY ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM .23
(3) T
HE OFFICE SHALL WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH OTHER24
OFFICES AND DIVISIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER25
EDUCATION, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION , THE COLORADO26
BROADBAND OFFICE CREATED IN SECTION 24-37.5-903, THE DEPARTMENT27
140
-18- OF HUMAN SERVICES, THE OFFICE OF EHEALTH INNOVATION IN THE1
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, AND THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO2
IDENTIFY AND SUPPORT DIVERSE PARTNERS AND EMPLOYERS .3
(4) (a) T
HE OFFICE SHALL SHARE OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAM4
WITH PARTNERS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION AND5
COLLECT DATA CONCERNING THE PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES :6
(I) T
HE OUTREACH ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED ;7
(II) T
HE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED BY THE NAVIGATORS8
AND THE DE-IDENTIFIED DEMOGRAPHICS OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS ,9
INCLUDING RACE, GEOGRAPHIC REGION OR ZIP CODE, AND WHETHER THE10
INDIVIDUALS MEET LOW -INCOME CRITERIA AS DETERMINED BY THE11
DEPARTMENT; AND12
(III) A
NY OUTCOMES AND DATA TO MEASURE THE SUCCESS OF THE13
PROGRAM, INCLUDING SKILLS ATTAINMENT AND EMPLOYMENT14
ATTAINMENT.15
(b) T
HE OFFICE SHALL INCLUDE THE OUTCOMES SHARED AND THE16
DATA COLLECTED PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (4) IN THE17
PRESENTATIONS REQUIRED BY SECTION 8-83-602 AT THE HEARINGS HELD18
UNDER THE "STATE MEASUREMENT FOR ACCOUNTABLE, RESPONSIVE,19
AND TRANSPARENT (SMART) GOVERNMENT ACT", PART 2 OF ARTICLE 720
OF TITLE 2.21
(5) F
OR THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR, THE GENERAL22
ASSEMBLY SHALL APPROPRIATE TWO MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE23
GENERAL FUND TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR USE BY THE OFFICE FOR THE24
PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION. ANY UNEXPENDED MONEY REMAINING AT THE25
END OF THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR:26
(a) D
OES NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OTHER27
140
-19- FUND;1
(b) M
AY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE 2023-24 STATE
2
FISCAL YEAR WITHOUT FURTHER APPROPRIATION ; AND 3
(c) S
HALL NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER T HAN THE4
PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.5
(6) T
HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT MAY6
PROMULGATE RULES TO IMPLEMENT THIS SECTION .7
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, repeal and reenact,8
with amendments, 8-3.7-102 as follows:9
8-3.7-102. Definitions. A
S USED IN THIS ARTICLE 3.7, UNLESS THE10
CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES :11
(1) "C
AREER-ALIGNED ESL CLASSES" OR "CAREER-ALIGNED12
E
NGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM " MEANS A CURRICULUM OR13
CLASSES THAT SUPPORT SPECIFIC CAREERS OR OCCUPATIONS THROUGH14
THE ALIGNMENT OF EDUCATION , EMPLOYMENT, AND SKILLS PROGRAMS15
THAT ACCELERATE AN INDIVIDUAL 'S ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE ON THE16
JOB OR IN THE PURSUIT OF A JOB.17
(2) "C
LASSES" INCLUDES VIRTUAL CLASSES WITH A LIVE TEACHER,18
RECORDED CLASSES, AND ADDITIONAL CURRICULUM AND OTHER SUPPORTS19
ASSOCIATED WITH LEARNING.20
(3) "D
EPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND21
EMPLOYMENT CREATED IN SECTION 24-1-121.22
(4) "E
NGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER " OR "ELL" MEANS AN23
INDIVIDUAL WHO IS LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE AND WHO HAS A LEVEL OF24
E
NGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY THAT REQUIRES LANGUAGE SUPPORT .25
(5) "I
MMIGRANT" OR "NEW AMERICAN" MEANS A COLORADAN26
WHO HAS ARRIVED, OR AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WILL ARRIVE, TO COLORADO27
140
-20- AS AN IMMIGRANT OR REFUGEE AND INCLUDES THE INDIVIDUAL 'S1
CHILDREN. "IMMIGRANT" OR "NEW AMERICAN" INCLUDES: REFUGEES,2
ASYLEES, SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISA HOLDERS, VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING,3
RECIPIENTS OF THE FEDERAL DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS4
PROGRAM, AND ALL OTHER IMMIGRANTS AND ASPIRING CITIZENS SEEKING5
OPPORTUNITY, SAFETY, OR REUNIFICATION OF FAMILY.6
(6) "I
NTEGRATION" MEANS A DYNAMIC, TWO-WAY PROCESS IN7
WHICH IMMIGRANTS AND NEW AMERICANS AND THE RECEIVING8
COMMUNITY WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD SECURE , VIBRANT, AND COHESIVE9
COMMUNITIES WITHOUT HAVING TO FOREGO THEIR OWN CULTURAL10
IDENTITY.11
(7) "ONA"
MEANS THE COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS12
CREATED IN SECTION 8-3.7-103.13
(8) "T
ASK FORCE" MEANS THE GLOBAL TALENT TASK FORCE14
CREATED BY ONA IN SECTION IN 8-3.7-107.15
(9) "W
ORK-BASED LEARNING" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS SET16
FORTH IN SECTION 8-83-601 (15).17
(10) "W
ORKFORCE PARTNERS" INCLUDES ENTITIES THAT PROVIDE18
WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES , JOB TRAINING, AND OTHER19
SUPPORTS THAT ENABLE INDIVIDUALS TO CONNECT WITH IN -DEMAND JOBS,20
INDUSTRIES, AND OCCUPATIONS.21
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 8-3.7-106 and22
8-3.7-107 as follows:23
8-3.7-106. Virtual, career-aligned English as a second24
language program - created - report - appropriation. (1) O
N OR25
BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2023, THE ONA SHALL ESTABLISH A VIRTUAL ,26
CAREER-ALIGNED ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM TO : 27
140
-21- (a) ENSURE ELLS HAVE ACCESS TO WORK -BASED LEARNING,1
JOB-TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND THE SUPPORTS2
THEY NEED FOR SUCCESS IN THE CAREER-ALIGNED ENGLISH AS A SECOND3
LANGUAGE PROGRAM AND EMPLOYMENT WITH WORKFORCE PARTNERS4
AND EMPLOYERS;5
(b) F
ACILITATE WORK-BASED LEARNING BY PROVIDING6
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO HELP EMPLOYERS AND OTHER WORKFORCE7
PARTNERS RECRUIT, SERVE, HIRE, AND PROMOTE ELLS;8
(c) P
ROVIDE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE ACCESS TO ESTABLISHED ,9
CAREER-ALIGNED ESL CLASSES FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS , WORK-BASED10
LEARNING PARTICIPANTS, AND OTHER JOB TRAINING PARTICIPANTS AND11
THEIR EMPLOYERS, PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS , AND TEACHERS;12
(d) S
TREAMLINE ACCESS TO CAREER -ALIGNED ESL CLASSES13
THROUGH THE PURCHASE OF LICENSES TO VIRTUAL PLATFORMS THAT ARE14
THEN MADE AVAILABLE TO INTERESTED WORKFORCE PARTNERS AND15
EMPLOYERS; AND16
(e) A
CCELERATE THE ADOPTION OF CAREER-ALIGNED ESL CLASSES17
INTO EMPLOYER AND WORK -BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS AND TRAINING18
PROGRAMS FOR RESKILLING, UPSKILLING, AND NEXT-SKILLING, AS THOSE19
TERMS ARE DEFINED IN SECTION 8-83-601.20
(2) T
HE VIRTUAL, CAREER-ALIGNED ENGLISH AS A SECOND21
LANGUAGE PROGRAM SHALL ADDRESS :22
(a) T
HE INTERSECTION OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING WITH23
OTHER WORK-BASED LEARNING AND SKILL-BASED HIRING EFFORTS;24
(b) T
HE CHALLENGE OF INCORPORATING ELLS INTO OUR25
WORKFORCE AND WORKFORCE PROGRAMS , INCLUDING WORK-BASED26
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES; AND27
140
-22- (c) OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYERS TO INTEGRATE NEW1
A
MERICANS AND ELLS INTO WORKFORCE AND TALENT PIPELINES , IN2
RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE3
IMPORTANCE OF HARNESSING THE TALENTS OF SKILLED NEW AMERICANS4
AND ELLS IN THIS STATE.5
(3) (a) T
HE ONA SHALL:6
(I) T
HROUGH A PROCESS THAT COMPLIES WITH THE7
"P
ROCUREMENT CODE", ARTICLES 101 TO 112 OF TITLE 24, SELECT AT8
LEAST ONE QUALIFIED VE NDOR WITH AN ESTABLISHED AND EXISTING9
VIRTUAL PLATFORM THAT OFFERS CAREER -ALIGNED ESL CLASSES IN10
IN-DEMAND INDUSTRIES AND OCCUPATIONS ;11
(II) A
LLOCATE FUNDING TO THE VENDOR SELECTED IN SUBSECTION12
(3)(a)(I)
OF THIS SECTION:13
(A) F
OR THE PURCHASE OF INDIVIDUAL LICENSES THAT CAN BE14
DISTRIBUTED TO INTERESTED AND SELECTED EMPLOYERS AND15
WORK-BASED LEARNING AND WORKFORCE PARTNERS FOR INDIVIDUALS TO16
ACCESS VIRTUAL CLASSES AND PLATFORMS ; AND17
(B) T
O CREATE NEW CAREER-ALIGNED ESL CLASSES, AS NEEDED,18
FOR COLORADO'S IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS ;19
(III) D
ETERMINE THE MOST EFFICIENT METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING20
LICENSES FOR CAREER-ALIGNED ESL CLASSES THROUGH A STREAMLINED21
PROCESS TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION , WITH A FOCUS ON22
SMALL- TO MEDIUM-SIZED EMPLOYERS AND WORK -BASED LEARNING AND23
WORKFORCE PARTNERS WITH EXISTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE24
DEPARTMENT AND ON OTHER STATE AGENCIES AND PARTNERS , INCLUDING25
LOCAL WORKFORCE CENTERS , SCHOOLS, INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER26
EDUCATION, AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ;27
140
-23- (IV) COMMUNICATE THE OPPORTUNITIES CREATED THROUGH THIS1
SECTION HOLISTICALLY AND STATEWIDE , WITH A FOCUS ON AREAS OF THE2
STATE WITH HIGHER PROPORTIONS OF ELLS AND NEW AMERICANS AND IN3
AREAS WITHOUT EXISTING CAREER -ALIGNED ESL CLASSES OR WITH4
ADDITIONAL BARRIERS, SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS , THAT5
CURRENTLY PREVENT COLORADANS FROM PARTICIPATING IN ESL6
CLASSES, INCLUDING IN RURAL AREAS;7
(V) W
ORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH OTHER OFFICES AND8
DIVISIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION ,9
THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES , AND THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC10
DEVELOPMENT TO IDENTIFY DIVERSE PARTNERS AND EMPLOYERS AND11
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS FOR PARTICIPANTS TO ENSURE THEIR SUCCESS ;12
(VI) S
HARE OUTCOMES OF THE VIRTUAL CAREER -ALIGNED13
E
NGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM WITH THE EMPLOYER14
COMMUNITY; AND15
(VII) C
OLLECT DATA CONCERNING THE PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES :16
(A) T
HE TYPES OF ENTITIES SUPPORTED, SUCH AS AN EMPLOYER OR17
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, AND THEIR LOCATION IN COLORADO;18
(B) T
HE NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING ENTITIES;19
(C) T
HE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED AT EACH ENTITY AND20
THEIR DEMOGRAPHICS;21
(D) T
HE CAREERS OR OCCUPATIONS SUPPORTED BY THE VIRTUAL22
CAREER-ALIGNED ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM ; AND23
(E) A
NY OUTCOMES AND DATA TO MEASURE THE SUCCESS OF THE24
VIRTUAL CAREER-ALIGNED ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM .25
(b) I
N CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEPARTMENT , THE ONA SHALL26
INCLUDE THE INFORMATION IN THIS SUBSECTION (3) IN THE27
140
-24- PRESENTATIONS REQUIRED BY SECTION 8-83-602 AT THE HEARINGS HELD1
UNDER THE "STATE MEASUREMENT FOR ACCOUNTABLE, RESPONSIVE,2
AND TRANSPARENT (SMART) GOVERNMENT ACT", PART 2 OF ARTICLE 73
OF TITLE 2.4
(4) F
OR THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY5
SHALL APPROPRIATE ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS6
FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE DEPARTMENT , FOR USE BY ONA FOR7
THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION. ANY UNEXPENDED MONEY REMAINING AT8
THE END OF THE 2022-23 STATE FISCAL YEAR:9
(a) D
OES NOT REVERT TO THE GENERAL FUND OR ANY OTHER10
FUND;11
(b) M
AY BE USED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE 2023-24 STATE
12
FISCAL YEAR WITHOUT FURTHER APPROPRIATION ; AND 13
(c) S
HALL NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OTHER THAN THE14
PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.15
8-3.7-107. Global talent task force - created - repeal. (1) O
N16
OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2022, THE ONA SHALL ESTABLISH A GLOBAL17
TALENT TASK FORCE THAT INCLUDES DIVERSE REPRESENTATION
18
REFLECTIVE OF THE STATE. THE TASK FORCE SHALL:19
(a) S
TUDY THE PATHWAYS
FOR OBTAINING CERTAIN IN-DEMAND20
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES AND INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIALS TO TAKE21
ADVANTAGE OF THE GLOBAL POOL OF SKILLED WORKERS IN COLORADO.22
T
HE TASK FORCE SHALL CHOOSE AT LEAST FIVE OCCUPATIONS THAT ARE23
RESPONSIVE TO WORKFORCE NEEDS , AS DETERMINED BY THE ANNUAL
24
C
OLORADO TALENT REPORT PREPARED PURS UANT TO SECTION
25
24-46.6-103
(3),
AND THAT ARE OCCUPATIONS IN WHICH THE STATE HAS26
THE NEED FOR AND AN ABILITY TO PROVIDE OVERSIGHT , INCLUDING27
140
-25- OCCUPATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE , EDUCATION,1
AND HEALTH CARE, WITH A PRIORITY GIVEN TO THE PRACTICE OF NURSING.2
(b) A
CCELERATE AND EXPAND WORK THAT THE DEPARTMENT AND3
OTHER STATE AGENCIES HAVE DONE TO INTEGRATE NEW AMERICANS AND4
INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ; AND5
(c) P
ROVIDE POLICY AND PROGRAMMATIC RECOMMENDATIONS TO6
THE GOVERNOR AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO INCREASE THE ABILITY7
OF THE STATE TO HARNESS THE SKILLS OF NEW AMERICANS, INCLUDING8
THROUGH WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES .9
(2) T
HE ONA SHALL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TO SUPPORT10
THE TASK FORCE.11
(3) (a) O
N OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2022:12
(I) T
HE DIRECTOR OF THE ONA SHALL APPOINT TWELVE
MEMBERS13
OF THE TASK FORCE AS FOLLOWS:14
(A) T
HREE INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS ;15
(B) T
HREE REPRESENTATIVES OF COMMUNITY -BASED16
ORGANIZATIONS OR COALITIONS SERVING NEW AMERICANS AND17
INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS ;18
(C) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE OF WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAMS19
OR PROVIDERS OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES ;20
(D) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE OF EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATING IN A21
WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM ;
22
(E) T
WO REPRESENTATIVES OF IN-DEMAND INDUSTRIES, SUCH AS23
EDUCATION OR HEALTH CARE ;24
(F) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE OF LOCAL DISTRICT COLLEGES ; AND
25
(G) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE WORKFORCE
26
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL CREATED IN SECTION 24-46.3-101.27
140
-26- (II) THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SHALL APPOINT TWO MEMBERS1
OF THE SENATE TO THE TASK FORCE, ONE OF WHOM REPRESENTS RURAL2
COMMUNITIES;3
(III) T
HE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHALL4
APPOINT TWO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TASK5
FORCE, ONE OF WHOM REPRESENTS RURAL COMMUNITIES ;6
(IV) T
HE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE SHALL APPOINT ONE7
MEMBER OF THE SENATE TO THE TASK FORCE ;8
(V) T
HE MINORITY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES9
SHALL APPOINT ONE MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE10
TASK FORCE; AND11
(VI) T
HE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT ONE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
12
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR.13
(b) T
HE TASK FORCE ALSO CONSISTS OF:14
(I) T
HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OR THE15
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE;16
(II) T
HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF17
REGULATORY AGENCIES OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 'S DESIGNEE;18
(III) T
HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER19
EDUCATION OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 'S DESIGNEE;20
(IV) T
HE COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION OR THE COMMISSIONER 'S21
DESIGNEE; AND22
(V) T
HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EARLY23
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 'S DESIGNEE.24
(c) T
HE ONA MAY, AS APPROPRIATE, PROVIDE A FIFTY-DOLLAR
25
STIPEND TO EACH TASK FORCE MEMBER PER TASK FORCE MEETING THAT26
THE MEMBER ATTENDS TO RECOGNIZE THE TASK FORCE MEMBERS WHO27
140
-27- ARE NOT OTHERWISE COMPENSATED FOR THE TIME SERVED ON THE TASK1
FORCE.2
(4) O
N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2023, THE TASK FORCE SHALL3
REPORT ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE PURSUANT TO THIS4
SECTION TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AND TO THE GENERAL5
ASSEMBLY AND SHALL MAKE THE REPORT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC .6
(5) T
HIS SECTION IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2024. 7
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 8-77-110 as8
follows:9
8-77-110. Office of future work - study - report. (1) The office10
of future of
work in the department of labor and employment, created by11
executive order B 2019 009, shall, within the scope of the executive12
order, study unemployment assistance as part of its study on the13
modernization of worker benefits and protections.14
(2) On or before January 15, 2021, the office of the future of15
work shall submit an initial report as directed by the executive order B16
2019
009 to the governor and to the business, labor, and technology17
committee of the senate and the business affairs and labor committee of18
the house of representatives, or their successor committees.19
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-10-103, add20
(10.5) as follows:21
22-10-103. Definitions. As used in this article 10, unless the22
context otherwise requires:23
(10.5)
"WORK-BASED LEARNING" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS SET24
FORTH IN SECTION 8-83-601 (15).25
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-10-104, amend26
(1)(d) as follows:27
140
-28- 22-10-104. Adult education and literacy grant program -1
created - rules. (1) (d) An adult education provider may use grant money2
received pursuant to this article 10 in combination with any money3
received from other public or private sources. An adult education4
provider may use grant money received pursuant to this article 10 on5
behalf of a student who:6
(I) Lacks basic literacy or numeracy skills; or who7
(II) Is enrolled in or has completed the adult education and8
literacy program; or9
(III) Is receiving training from a postsecondary education or10
training provider or from a workforce development provider that11
participates in a workforce development partnership with the adult12
education provider;
OR13
(IV) I
S PARTICIPATING IN WORK-BASED LEARNING.14
SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-14-102, amend15
the introductory portion; and add (18) as follows:16
22-14-102. Definitions. As used in this article
ARTICLE 14, unless17
the context otherwise requires:18
(18) "W
ORK-BASED LEARNING" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS SET19
FORTH IN SECTION 8-83-601 (15).20
SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-14-109, amend21
(1) as follows:22
22-14-109. Student re-engagement grant program - rules -23
application - grants - report. (1) There is hereby created within the24
department the student re-engagement grant program to provide grant25
money to local education providers to use in providing educational26
services and supports,
INCLUDING WORK-BASED LEARNING, to students to27
140
-29- maintain student engagement and support student re-engagement in high1
school. Subject to available appropriations, the state board shall award2
student re-engagement grants to local education providers from money3
appropriated pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.4
SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-14-109.5,5
amend (5)(d) as follows:6
22-14-109.5. Ninth-grade success grant program - created -7
criteria - use of grant money - report - rules - definitions - repeal.8
(5) A local education provider or charter school that receives a grant9
through the program must use the grant money to implement a10
ninth-grade success program that, at a minimum, must include the11
following elements:12
(d) Identifying and prioritizing services,
SUCH AS WORK-BASED13
LEARNING, for ninth-grade students who are at risk of academic failure in14
ninth grade;15
SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-32-138.5,16
amend (2) introductory portion, (2)(b)(II), (2)(b)(VIII), (2)(b)(IX), and17
(2)(b)(X); and add (2)(b)(XI) as follows:18
22-32-138.5. Educational stability grant program - application19
- grants - fund created - rules - report - definition. (2) The state board20
of education shall adopt rules pursuant to the "State Administrative21
Procedure Act", article 4 of title 24, for implementation of the grant22
program. At a minimum, the rules shall
MUST include:23
(b) The information to be included on grant applications,24
including at a minimum:25
(II) A description of services to be provided through the grant,26
including a description of innovative practices to address barriers for27
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-30- students; in out-of-home placement;1
(VIII) The provision of services for students in out-of-home2
placement who receive special education services;3
(IX) Access to extracurricular activities for students in4
out-of-home placement; and WHO RECEIVE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES;5
(X) Transition practices relating to school moves for students; in6
out-of-home placement. AND7
(XI) (A) E
NGAGEMENT IN ACADEMIC SUPPORTS , SUCH AS8
WORK-BASED LEARNING.9
(B) A
S USED IN THIS SUBSECTION (2)(b)(XI), "WORK-BASED10
LEARNING" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 8-83-60111
(15).12
SECTION 12. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-35.3-102, add13
(12) as follows:14
22-35.3-102. Definitions. As used in this article 35.3, unless the15
context otherwise requires:16
(12) "W
ORK-BASED LEARNING" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS SET17
FORTH IN SECTION 8-83-601 (15).18
SECTION 13. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-35.3-103,19
amend (2) introductory portion and (2)(b) as follows:20
22-35.3-103. Pathways in technology early college high schools21
- design - requirements - approval. (2) A p-tech school to be operated22
by a local education provider must be jointly approved by the23
commissioner of education and the executive director of the department24
of higher education. The commissioner and the executive director shall25
jointly establish time lines
TIMELINES and procedures by which a local26
education provider may apply to operate a p-tech school and shall develop27
140
-31- a model p-tech agreement template that may be used by an applicant. The1
application must include:2
(b) The operational model for the p-tech school, including but not3
limited to curricula, instructional practices, faculty roles, student support4
structures, class schedules, experiential learning opportunities,5
WORK-BASED LEARNING, and the associate degrees that students may6
attain through the p-tech school;7
SECTION 14. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-91-102, add (9)8
as follows:9
22-91-102. Definitions. As used in this article 91, unless the10
context otherwise requires:11
(9) "W
ORK-BASED LEARNING" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS SET12
FORTH IN SECTION 8-83-601 (15).13
SECTION 15. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 22-91-103, amend14
(1)(a) as follows:15
22-91-103. School counselor corps grant program - created -16
rules. (1) (a) There is created in the department the school counselor17
corps grant program to provide funding to education providers. The goal
18
GOALS of the program is ARE to:19
(I) Increase the availability of effective school-based counseling20
to help increase the graduation rate within the state and increase the21
percentage of students who appropriately prepare for, apply to, and22
continue into postsecondary education;
AND23
(II) S
UPPORT WORK-BASED LEARNING AWARENESS AND
24
EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL25
LEVELS AND WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE HIGH SCHOOL26
LEVEL.27
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-32- SECTION 16. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-3.3-1002, add1
(10) as follows:2
23-3.3-1002. Definitions. As used in this part 10, unless the3
context otherwise requires:4
(10) "W
ORK-BASED LEARNING" HAS THE SAME MEANING AS SET5
FORTH IN SECTION 8-83-601 (15).6
SECTION 17. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-3.3-1004,7
amend (4) introductory portion, (4)(a)(III)(D), and (4)(a)(III)(E); and add8
(4)(a)(III)(F) as follows:9
23-3.3-1004. Colorado opportunity scholarship initiative10
advisory board - created - duties - rules - repeal. (4) The board shall
11
hold its first meeting on or before November 1, 2014, at a time and place12
to be designated by the executive director or by the executive director's13
designee. The board shall meet at least four times each year and shall14
carry out the following duties:15
(a) Promulgate rules for administration of the initiative, including16
but not limited to the following:17
(III) Rules establishing permissible uses of grant and scholarship18
money from the initiative, which rules must stipulate that:19
(D) To the extent practicable, grants of financial assistance must20
be awarded to students representing rural and urban areas of the state and21
to students attending area technical colleges, community colleges,22
four-year institutions of higher education, and research institutions; and23
(E) To the extent practicable, financial assistance must be evenly24
distributed between students with an expected family contribution of less25
than one hundred percent of the annual federal PELL grant award and26
students with an expected family contribution between one hundred27
140
-33- percent and two hundred fifty percent of the annual federal PELL grant1
award;
AND2
(F) T
O THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE , GRANT AND SCHOLARSHIP3
MONEY MAY BE USED FOR WORK -BASED LEARNING;4
SECTION 18. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-3.3-1303,
5
amend (1)(b) as follows:6
23-3.3-1303. Fourth-year innovation pilot program - creation7
- eligibility - award of state funding - commission policies. (1) (b) The8
pilot program is limited to five local education providers or group of9
providers with the first cohort of graduates graduating early during the10
2021-22 school year and the last cohort of graduates graduating early11
during the 2025-26 school year. E
ACH YEAR OF THE PROGRAM , a local
12
education provider or a group of local education providers may apply to13
the department to participate in the pilot program. A
SCHOOL OR LOCAL
14
EDUCATION PROVIDER APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT MAY BE ADDED TO15
AN EXISTING GROUP OF LOCAL EDUCATION PROVIDERS . The commission16
shall select pilot program participants, including a mix of urban,17
suburban, and rural local education providers. In the pilot program18
application, the applicant or applicants shall indicate which high schools19
are participating in the pilot program. With approval of the charter school,20
a school district that is selected to participate in the pilot program may21
also include a charter school authorized by the school district as one of its22
designated high schools.23
SECTION 19. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-26.3-602,24
amend (3) as follows:25
24-46.3-602. Definitions. As used in this part 6 and part 7 of this26
article 46.3, unless the context otherwise requires:27
140
-34- (3) "Incumbent worker" means a worker who qualifies as an1
incumbent worker under 20 CFR 680.780 IS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AND2
EXPECTS TO REMAIN EMPLOYED BY THE SAME EMPLOYER DURING AND3
AFTER PARTICIPATION IN A TRAINING PROGRAM OR TRAINING4
OPPORTUNITY.5
SECTION 20. Appropriation. (1) For the 2022-23 state fiscal6
year, $6,100,000 is appropriated to the department of labor and7
employment. This appropriation is from the general fund. To implement8
this act, the department may use this appropriation as follows:9
(a) $3,000,000 for state operations and program costs, which10
amount is based on an assumption that the division of employment and11
training will require an additional 2.5 FTE;12
(b) $2,000,000 for the office of future work, which amount is13
based on an assumption that the executive director's office will require an14
additional 1.0 FTE; and15
(c) $1,100,000 for the office of new americans, which amount is16
based on an assumption that the executive director's office will require an17
additional 3.4 FTE. 18
(2) Any money appropriated in this subsection (1) not expended19
prior to July 1, 2023, is further appropriated to the department for the20
2023-24 state fiscal year for the same purpose.21
(3) For the 2022-23 state fiscal year, $11,319 is appropriated to22
the legislative department for use by the general assembly. This23
appropriation is from the general fund. To implement this act, the general24
assembly may use this appropriation for per diem and travel25
reimbursement expenses.26
SECTION 21. Effective date. This act takes effect July 1, 2022.27
140
-35- SECTION 22. Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds,1
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate2
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety.3
140
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