higher education Archives

Gov. Polis outlines vision for Colorado’s higher ed, workforce development

Jul 10, 2026

—

by

Gov. Jared Polis spoke with the Colorado Commission for Higher Education on Friday about his vision for the future of the state’s higher education and workforce training programs, telling the commission that the state needs to do a better job of helping students gain the skills and knowledge they need for successful careers. “Colorado is…

Trends and challenges in higher education | Tom Cronin

May 10, 2026

—

by

Tom Cronin

Americans are both proud and critical of our higher-education system. More American universities are highly ranked than those in other countries. More international students come here than to any other country. And basic research at U.S. universities has earned more patents and Nobel Prizes than elsewhere. Yet trust in colleges and universities has dramatically declined. Costs have dramatically increased and more parents are…

Democrats want Colorado colleges to provide abortion medication

Apr 17, 2026

—

by

Marissa Ventrelli

A bill proposing to require Colorado colleges and universities to provide abortion medication services cleared a legislative committee on Thursday. Advocates said the measure — which exempts religious-based institutions but applies to public, private, and community colleges — will improve access to abortion, while opponents argue it would force educational institutions to take a side…

Colorado schools growing the next generation of teachers in their classrooms

Oct 22, 2025

—

by

Eric Young

At Coronado High School in Colorado Springs, first-year family and consumer sciences culinary teacher Taiyah Mooney feels right at home. In addition to graduating from the very school not long ago in 2022, she returned to her stomping grounds uniquely equipped to begin her career as an educator. Mooney marks the first D-11 teacher to…

Colorado faces budget deficit as lawmakers consider $2 billion more in spending

Mar 30, 2024

—

by

Marianne Goodland

Colorado lawmakers this month began reviewing the state’s spending plan for the next fiscal year in the face of tight revenues and a budget deficit — even as policymakers are pushing for hundreds of millions of dollars in funding requests. Only a tight sliver of those requests will likely get funded, if at all, once…

Colorado faces budget deficit as lawmakers consider $2 billion more in spending

Mar 30, 2024

—

by

Marianne Goodland

Colorado lawmakers this month began reviewing the state’s spending plan for the next fiscal year in the face of tight revenues and a budget deficit — even as policymakers are pushing for hundreds of millions of dollars in funding requests. Only a tight sliver of those requests will likely get funded, if at all, once…

10 Colorado colleges launch campaign to educate students on fentanyl dangers

Oct 3, 2023

—

by

Hannah Metzger

Last year, more than half of Colorado’s overdose deaths were a result of fentanyl. Now, state colleges are working to inform students of the dangers of the opioid that’s increasingly infiltrating street drugs. Ten colleges and universities launched the “You Can’t Outsmart Fentanyl” education campaign this week, created by the nonprofit Blue Rising Community. The campaign will…

Callie Rennison elected chair of CU Regents, Ken Montera re-elected vice chair

Jun 23, 2023

—

by

Hannah Metzger

The University of Colorado Board of Regents chose new leadership Friday to oversee the largest higher education institution in the state. Regent Callie Rennison, a Democrat representing the 2nd Congressional District, was elected as chair of the board for the coming year. Rennison replaced former chair Lesley Smith, a fellow Democrat and at-large board member, who announced she…

Pugliese’s bill for free education in high-demand careers passes | FOCUS ON THE SPRINGS

Apr 30, 2023

—

by

Hannah Metzger

Rep. Rose Pugliese’s effort to offer free education for students pursuing in-demand careers passed its last major legislative hurdle on Friday. If signed into law, House Bill 1246 would spend $38.6 million to provide free education to students pursuing credentials in firefighting, law enforcement, nursing, early childhood education, elementary education and forestry at community, district and technical colleges. The bill would…

Colorado reduces prison sentences for inmates pursuing higher education

Apr 12, 2023

—

by

Hannah Metzger

Colorado has among the worst recidivism rates in the country, with more than 50% of people released from prison ending up back behind bars within three years. Now, the state is taking a new approach to address the issue by incentivizing prisoners to pursue higher education. House Bill 1037 reduces prison sentences for non-violent offenders who complete higher…