We all know the “Colorado Paradox” too well: As the second-most highly educated state in the nation, we continue to send only a fraction of our kids to college.
By 2020 (That's just five years away!), 74 percent of our jobs need a worker with some post-secondary credentials (certificates, skilled trades, vocational education, two-year or four-year degrees). When you consider that nearly 46 percent of Coloradans have a two-year degree or higher and only 23 percent of our kids are completing college it doesn't take a rocket scientist (even though we have plenty in Colorado to help us do the math) to figure out that while our strategy of importing our talent is cheap, it won't get us to the finish line and meet the educational demands of our economy.
And, now for the rest of the story (just a little Paul Harvey reference to make those Baby Boomers out there smile and give you something to explain to other generations):
We’re seeing organizations all over Colorado step up to tackle this issue.
The Denver Public Library is helping people get their high school diploma through its career online high school. In addition to earning a diploma, students can also pursue certificates in areas like office management, transportation and customer service. This work matters not just to our economy but to the nearly 313,000 Colorado adults who have not finished high school. A high school diploma is the first milestone in that educational pipeline we talk about. We need all Coloradans to be able to cross that line, and Denver Public Library is helping.
And, a few more skills can help a great deal in improving job opportunities after high school. That's where Mi Casa Resource Center steps in and delivers with a number of offerings, including its career development programs. Mi Casa helps with those soft skills that as employers we desperately seek. Skills like problem solving, strong communications and time management.
For these programs to be successful they need your support and help. Of course, you can give money to support their work, but just as important they also need you show up. Programs like Goodwill Industries of Denver’s Summer Bridge Mentoring program needs mentors from the business community and Arrupe Jesuit High School’s Corporate Work Study Program needs businesses partners for the kids to be able to learn about the work world.
We have many examples of companies showing up to help. We get to honor one executive this spring for the difference he is making in Colorado. Campos EPC founder and Managing Principal Marco Campos has a powerful story about his success, and no sooner did he begin to realize his dreams that he turned back and has partnered with Denver Public Schools on a job shadowing program, showing high school students what it would be like to work as an engineer so other kids could get the same chance he did. It’s business leaders like Marco who are making a real difference in opening students’ eyes to new possibilities and future careers. Please join us to honor his commitment to our region as 9NEWS Leader of the Year and what that represents for all Colorado businesses who give so back to their communities at the 9NEWS Civic Leadership Luncheon on March 19. You won’t want to miss this inspirational event, so save your seat today.
Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work.” Well, clearly Mr. Edison didn't make it to Colorado. We don't miss opportunities here. Please make sure that is true for our future as well.
