Business and Community Partnerships

Does your staff need customized training to improve their skills? We can help you provide the training your team needs to make them more confident, agile, and knowledgeable. 

Relocating or expanding your business in Colorado? Access Colorado Training Grant Funds and partner with ACC to ensure your workforce is ready to succeed.

Skill Advance Colorado

By securing grants through the Colorado First and Existing Industry Customized Job Training Programs, you can ensure your workforce has the technology training they need to succeed—and ensure your company remains competitive. Before applying, we encourage you to reach out to ACC to discuss your eligibility. acc [dot] wcp [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Email us) or call us at 303.797.5722.

Colorado First and Existing Industry Grant Program

Colorado First and Existing Industry Customized Job Training Grant Programs support Colorado’s workforce development by providing grants to existing companies as well as those locating or expanding in Colorado. By providing grants to existing companies as well as those that are locating to or expanding in Colorado, the Colorado First and Existing Industry Customized Job Training Programs support Colorado’s workforce development. Reimbursing job training costs increases transferable job skills that not only benefit workers, but also help companies to be competitive for the long term.

The Existing Industry program focuses on helping established Colorado companies remain competitive within their industry, adapt to new technology, and prevent layoffs. The Colorado First program assists with training funds for new hires for companies that are relocating or expanding in Colorado.

Jointly administered by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and managed through participating colleges. Grants are contingent upon available funding.

Training must be tailored for the participating company. (Colorado First - FTE $1,400, Existing Industries - FTE $1,200.)

Training topics are diverse and vary based on the participating company’s needs. A few examples :

• Leadership Training
• Active Shooter Preparedness
• Diversity and Inclusivity
• Introduction of new software
• Virtual team building and management

Training can be performed by a CCCS participating college, an expert within the participating company, or an outside contractor.

Grant Application Criteria

Before applying for a grant, we encourage you to contact ACC to discuss your eligibility. Here is the application criteria:

• All grant-funded training must be for full-time (32 hours/week), non-seasonal, non-retail employees who have significant career opportunities, require substantive instruction, and are eligible to work in the U.S.

• Companies must pay an average hourly wage of at least $15.00/hour in urban counties and at least minimum wage in rural counties.

• Learners must sign an affidavit to certify their participation in grant-funded training.
  Companies must contribute a minimum of 40% (cash or in-kind) to the total costs of grant-funded training. Hourly wage of employee in considered in-kind.

• Training must be customized to specific company needs and related to substantive resume-building and transferable skills.

• 501(c)(3) applications are accepted.

• Grant-funded training may not begin until the training application has been approved by State program administrators.

• An on-site company visit by OEDIT and CCCS representatives is required.

Managed through participating colleges. Grants are contingent upon available funding.

• Application submissions to the State: July 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022
• Training Completion Deadline: May 20, 2022
• Final Reports Due: Within 2 weeks after training completion

Purple Briefcase is the online database where employers can post an unlimited number of job listings or internship opportunities and view upcoming events and job fairs at no charge

Host an information session or table to share information about your organization in a targeted setting. Participate in industry specific career fairs to meet prospective employees and furnish information about your organization and current opportunities.

Create a talent pipeline from classroom to workplace by involving students in your company while they are still attending college.

Explore opportunities to train new talent on the job or ask about grants for your current employees.

Share your professional expertise in the classroom to connect directly with students before they enter the workforce.

Help a student achieve their dreams and Move Mountains toward their goals. Donate resources toward scholarships, tuition, equipments, and more through the ACC Foundation.