Senate Approves Coleman’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Experiential Learning Opportunities

Legislation would support work-based learning opportunities for students and adults through partnerships with businesses and colleges

DENVER, CO – The Senate today gave final approval to a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, to bolster Colorado’s workforce by incentivizing businesses to create high quality work-based learning opportunities for students and adults.

Cosponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, SB22-140 would support businesses, workers, and learners by aligning existing state-funded programs in education, training and employment. 

“The pandemic has made it harder for businesses to find the talent they need to keep their doors open and continue serving their communities,” Coleman said. “By expanding experiential learning opportunities, closing the digital divide, and addressing language barriers, we can connect Coloradans with life-changing career opportunities while jump-starting our economy from the ground up.”

The bill also creates a digital navigator program tasked with addressing digital inequities that prevent people from accessing work-based learning, job-training and employment opportunities. SB22-140 also makes investments in virtual career-aligned English as a Second Language programming to ensure English language learners have equitable access to experiential learning opportunities.

SB22-140 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.