Career Advance Colorado
Zero-Cost Training for In-Demand Jobs
Ready for a career change? Take the first step with Arapahoe Community College and Career Advance Colorado! Thanks to this state program, you can get free training in rewarding fields that move Colorado forward.
How does it work?
Starting in August 2023, students who qualify and enroll in one of the following training programs will have their tuition, fees, course materials, and other costs covered while funding is available:
- Nursing
- Nursing, AAS
- Nursing, AAS PN to RN
- Law Enforcement
- Law Enforcement Academy Certificate
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education AA
- Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Certificate
- Early Childhood Director Certificate
- Early Childhood Infant / Toddler Supervisor Certificate
- Early Childhood Teacher Certificate
- Education
- Elementary Teacher Education AA
- Construction Management
- Construction Estimating Certificate
- Construction Management Fundamentals Certificate
To enroll, you must apply for federal and/or state financial aid. Contact Diana Lee in ACC Admissions at diana [dot] lee [at] arapahoe [dot] edu to discuss your options, financial aid, and application steps.
Student Eligibility
- Must have declared an eligible program as their primary program in the term the CAC funding is paid.
- Colorado Resident or ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow) student
- Eligible Financial Aid SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) status
- College has received an eligible FAFSA or CASFA
- Students with a rejected FAFSA would not be eligible and must take necessary steps to complete their FAFSA
- Students who are selected for verification must complete the verification process.
- For the first year of the program, students in Default on a student loan would qualify. Students currently in default can apply for Fresh-Start programs to get themselves out of default. CCCS colleges will send out information to these students explaining how to get out of default with the Fresh-Start.
- Enrollment minimum of half time (6+ credits)
- High School graduation or equivalency is required. This is based on current Colorado Student Aid Guidelines.
- Students with a prior bachelor’s degree are eligible for the funding as these programs are designated as quick-to-work opportunities.
FAQs
Additional Questions?
Prospective and new students, contact Diana Lee in ACC Admissions at diana [dot] lee [at] arapahoe [dot] edu or 303.797.5831.
Continuing students, contact Financial Aid at financialaid [at] arapahoe [dot] edu or 303.797.5661.
What is Career Advance Colorado?
Career Advance Colorado is funded through House Bill 23-1246, which dedicates $38.6 million to cover tuition, fees, and course materials for short-term programs (2 years or less) in select fields with significant workforce shortages. Beginning in August 2023, students who enroll in qualifying programs may have tuition, fees, course materials and other costs covered while program funding is available.
What programs qualify for funding?
The programs at ACC include:
- Nursing
- Nursing, AAS
- Nursing, AAS PN to RN
- Law Enforcement
- Law Enforcement Academy Certificate
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education AA
- Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Certificate
- Early Childhood Director Certificate
- Early Childhood Infant / Toddler Supervisor Certificate
- Early Childhood Teacher Certificate
- Education
- Elementary Teacher Education AA
- Construction Management
- Construction Estimating Certificate
- Construction Management Fundamentals Certificate
What students qualify for funding?
- Students must have declared an eligible degree or certificate (listed above) as their primary program in the term the funding is paid.
- Students must complete the FAFSA or CASFA (if they are not eligible to complete a FAFSA).
- Students must be enrolled a minimum of half time (6+ credits)
- Students mush be high school graduates or equivalent.
How long will the funding be available?
The Career Advance funding model requires that these are last-paying funds. Meaning, if students have other (non-loan) funds (ie.: grants or scholarships) that are directly going toward these costs, we are required to reduce the Career Advance money.
When is the Career Advance money distributed?
The Career Advance funds will be distributed after the main census for the semester. Students can identify their census date by signing into the myACC portal, clicking on the student tab and looking at their detailed schedule with the withdrawal dates. *Census is the last day to drop a course without financial responsibility.
Does the program need to be my primary major if a student is enrolled in multiple programs?
Yes, if a student is enrolled in multiple programs, the eligible program must be the primary major.
How do students get assistance completing a FAFSA or CASFA?
FAFSA Labs are in person at the ACC Littleton Campus in room M1740 from 1:00 - 6:00pm on Mondays. Our partners at the Educational Opportunity Center at Community College of Denver (CCD) are also ready to help you with the FAFSA. You can schedule a virtual (Webex) appointment: Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. Call EOC's main number at 303.352.8746 or email them at eoc [at] ccd [dot] edu (eoc[at]ccd[dot]edu). For assistance with the CASFA, contact ACC’s Financial Aid Department.
When will students be notified about receiving the funding so that I can make other financial arrangements, if necessary?
This depends on when you get all of your documents submitted. We will begin awarding on a first-come, first-served basis after census day and will continue to award funds until all applications have been reviewed or the money runs out.
Will the program help pay for uniforms, testing or state exams?
These expenses, as determined by each department chair, are included in the reimbursement amount.
Do students need to be a Colorado resident?
Students must be a Colorado Resident or ASSET student (funds from the Colorado General Fund require eligible students to be Colorado residents and not just eligible for in-state tuition rates).
If students withdraw or fail, do they need to pay any of the tuition?
This is a state grant funded program that currently does not require repayment of funds for failed classes, however, failing classes could impact your financial aid in the future.
Is there a deadline for submission of the FAFSA / CASFA for students to receive the funding?
The deadline to submit a FAFSA, CASFA and, if needed, an Ineligible for Financial Aid appeal for Career Advance in Spring 2024 is March 15. Students who do not get their FAFSA, CASFA and/or appeal completed by the deadline will not be awarded Career Advance in Spring, but they will still be eligible for other Title IV and State aid they would normally receive. We will evaluate their account for Career Advance in the Summer.
More About Career Advance Colorado
Career Advance Colorado is funded through House Bill 23-1246, which dedicates $38.6 million to fully cover enrollment costs for training programs in sectors with significant workforce shortages. The bill was signed by Gov. Jared Polis in May 2023 and sponsored by Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senators Janet Buckner and Perry Will, and Representative Rose Pugliese.
The program builds on the success of the Care Forward Colorado program, which has already trained thousands of Coloradans for entry-level healthcare positions. The Care Forward Colorado program will run concurrently with Career Advance Colorado as program funding is available
Interested in More Healthcare Careers?
The state’s Care Forward Colorado program covers all tuition, fees, and course material costs for short-term healthcare training programs. Visit our Care Forward Colorado webpage to learn more.