Governor Polis and Arnold Ventures Unite to Enhance Economic Mobility in Colorado

A New Era for Economic Opportunity in Colorado

On March 17, 2025, Governor Jared Polis, alongside the philanthropic organization Arnold Ventures, revealed a transformative initiative aiming to improve economic opportunities for Coloradans. This multi-year collaboration, titled The Colorado Partnership for Proven Initiatives, is backed by a considerable investment of $20 million. The goal? To enhance educational access and support systems crucial for students and workers, ultimately fostering a brighter future for residents of Colorado.

Governor Polis expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "In Colorado, we are expanding opportunities for Coloradans by investing in what works." This initiative is designed to build upon the state's existing successes in expanding access to high-quality education and creating more pathways to economic success.

The partnership is especially noteworthy because it incentivizes evidence-based solutions. Over the next four years, Arnold Ventures will match investments made by the State of Colorado dollar-for-dollar, providing up to $10 million in support for initiatives proven to advance the economic mobility of citizens. Laura Arnold, co-chair of Arnold Ventures, noted the significance of backing research-supported programs, emphasizing, "In today’s climate of constrained resources, our commitment to research-backed programs isn’t just smart—it’s essential."

The first stage of this initiative will focus primarily on higher education and workforce training. Notably, Lamar Community College and Colorado Mountain College will pioneer pilot programs aimed at improving student success and narrowing attainment gaps. These programs will model the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) developed by the City University of New York (CUNY). This comprehensive approach provides significant academic, financial, and personal support to low-income students pursuing two-year associate degrees.

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez shared insights into the effectiveness of the ASAP initiative, highlighting its success in elevating graduation rates and increasing post-graduation salaries for students. He expressed confidence that Colorado's adoption of ASAP will yield similar positive outcomes.

The collaborative effort extends beyond immediate educational support, aiming to address pressing workforce needs in Colorado’s economy. Officials at the state level, along with Arnold Ventures and the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy, will work to identify and scale other promising initiatives, ensuring sustainable funding. This systematic approach allows for the development of long-term strategies to allocate resources towards initiatives yielding proven results.

As the need for effective educational support and workforce training becomes more critical, this partnership marks a significant step towards assuring that all Coloradans have access to opportunities that can lead to better lives. The growing collection of programs demonstrated to improve economic circumstances proves that evidence-led reforms can effectively contribute to community well-being.

In conclusion, the partnership spearheaded by Governor Polis and Arnold Ventures serves as a model for how collaboration between government and philanthropy can lead to meaningful change. By pooling resources and insights, Colorado stands poised to enhance education, economic mobility, and ultimately, the lives of all its residents. This initiative embodies a commitment to investing in tomorrow’s workforce, ensuring that Colorado remains a state where opportunities abound for everyone.