A new program funded by the State of Colorado provides no-cost educational opportunities at Trinidad State. Funding for 2023-24 is still available in three programs. The program aims to prepare more than 20,000 Coloradans statewide for careers in fields that face critical employee shortages.
Career Advance Colorado funding remains available to boost opportunities at Trinidad State in Early Childhood Education, Teacher Preparation and Construction. Current students in Nursing and Law Enforcement programs also benefitted from this program, but those programs are filled for the FY 2023-24 academic year.
Starting now, students enrolling in Early Childhood, Teacher Education, and Construction will have tuition, fees, course materials and other costs covered while funding is available. All Career Advance Colorado applicants must apply for federal financial aid to qualify. Once accepted into the program, a student can earn a certificate in a year or less or an associate degree in two years or less.
“We’re so happy to provide Colorado residents an incentive to enroll in programs that
lead to jobs that are needed in our communities,” said Trinidad State President Dr.
Rhonda M. Epper. “We expect this to make a difference for students and employers in
solving workforce shortages.”
The construction course takes only four weeks and includes basic skills like demolition, safety, construction math, framing, drywall and other entry level building skills. Classes happen in the morning, with on-the-job construction in the afternoon through an innovative partnership with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. Students are currently refurbishing a house in Trinidad and will soon start work on a house in Monte Vista. The next four-week classes – both in Trinidad and Monte Vista -- start September 25.
Early Childhood Education graduates are in high demand locally and across the country. Students in this program may become pre-school workers, child care directors, or teaching assistants.
The teacher preparation program (TPREP) allows Trinidad State students to earn a four-year teaching degree without leaving their hometown, through a partnership with CU-Denver. Career Advance Colorado only provides funding for the first two years.
“We’re excited to save Coloradans money and train people for good-paying jobs by offering free community college education for in-demand positions at the state’s 19 community and technical colleges,” said Governor Jared Polis.
Visit trinidadstate.edu/careeradvance to explore qualifying programs at Trinidad State, or call 888-TSC-1925.