2025 LEGISLATIVE RECAP
This year, Colorado Succeeds partnered with policymakers and advocates to advance policies that move Colorado closer to a more connected, navigable, and outcomes-driven education and workforce system.
We’re proud to have championed legislation that advances each of our three priorities.
COLORADO SUCCEEDS PRIORITY
Equip learners and business leaders with data and information about the effectiveness of education and training pathways
HB25-1278: Education Accountability System
Colorado Succeeds worked this year to strengthen and modernize Colorado’s K–12 accountability system. A key element of legislation will add two new sub-indicators to the state’s high school accountability framework to measure Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR). The first measures college and career readiness before graduation, and the second tracks postsecondary progress and outcomes after graduation.
HB25-1038: Postsecondary Credit Transfer Website
Colorado Succeeds also supported the Department of Higher Education and legislation to establish a more comprehensive transfer portal, showing learners earlier in their decision-making process how academic credits, work-based learning, concurrent enrollment, and prior learning transfer to and between Colorado’s higher education institutions.
“This is about affordability and giving students options. I’ve heard stories of students who come in with 30 to 60 credits that largely don’t transfer to their degree program, which means more time and money spent completing their education.”
NICK DESALVO President, Associated Students of Colorado State University & Chairman, Colorado Student Government Coalition
COLORADO SUCCEEDS PRIORITY
Ensure more students, regardless of zip code or race and ethnicity, have access to high-quality pathways that lead to living-wage careers
SB25-315: Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs
Colorado Succeeds worked with the Colorado Department of Education and policymakers on legislation to simplify existing grant programs into a streamlined outcomes-based fund. This fund will help ensure every learner can graduate from high school on a pathway to economic mobility.
Districts will receive funding based on students’ completion of any approved Big Three opportunity: attaining industry credentials, earning college credit, or participating in workbased learning. It also creates a seed fund for districts to establish PWR programming.
“We need to create a holistic system where we can connect PWR programs in a way that makes sense for everyone involved. That means breaking down silos, fostering collaboration, and creating seamless pathways for students.”
WES PARHAM Vice President of Public Affairs, Pinnacol Assurance
