(TSC) has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 , the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among community colleges. TSC is the first college in the 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒) to reach this milestone as it competes for the title and accompanying $1 million award.听听

Held every two years, the Aspen Prize honors colleges with outstanding performance in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor鈥檚 attainment, workforce success, broad access to the college and its offerings, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. TSC is one of 20 semifinalists nationwide.听听

鈥淎t Trinidad State we see potential in every student who walks through our doors,鈥� said Trinidad State president Dr. Rhonda M. Epper. 鈥淥ur students are successful because our faculty and staff believe in them and are committed to making their dreams a reality. We are so honored to be included in this esteemed group of community colleges.鈥�听

TSC rose to the top through a competitive selection process. The Aspen Institute invited 150 community colleges to apply for the prize in October 2023. From there, a selection committee of 18 higher education experts assessed TSC鈥檚 data and application responses and conducted interviews with TSC leaders. If selected for the finalist round this June, the college will host an onsite visit with selection committee members.听听

Joe Garcia, the chancellor of 蜜桃传媒, praised Dr. Epper鈥檚 efforts to transform TSC over her five-year tenure.听听

鈥淚 am proud that Rhonda was the first president I had the opportunity to hire,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he has plugged away and inspired the whole Trinidad community. I really credit this achievement to her leadership.鈥澨�听

The Aspen Institute will announce the winner in the spring of 2025. For more information, .听

The post Trinidad State College Named Semifinalist for Prestigious 2025 Aspen Prize first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.

May 7, 2024 (Denver, CO) 鈥� The 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒) and its thirteen member colleges have received almost $3.9 million from the (COSI), a state program that works to reduce barriers to higher education and workforce training.听听

The Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges received nearly $600,000 through COSI鈥檚 Matching Student Scholarship program, which will provide funding to all 13 蜜桃传媒 colleges as matching challenge incentives for scholarships. In addition, the Foundation received $70,000 through the Career Launch program that furnishes scholarships for students pursuing in-demand credentials.听

鈥淲e are grateful to receive these generous grants from COSI to continue powering our scholarship program,鈥� said J. Adam Cermak, Chief Development Officer and Executive Director of the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges. 鈥淭hese funds will allow us to keep college in reach for hundreds of community colleges students while moving the needle on credential completion.鈥澨�听

Several colleges earned Community Partner Program Grants, which aim to improve enrollment and retention in public postsecondary institutions. 蜜桃传媒 colleges will collaborate with local high schools to boost college-going rates through 2026.听

鈥淭he funding from this grant is crucial to the success of our students, as it provides critical wraparound services such as coaching and advising,鈥� said Donna Nelson, the Chief Development Officer for the Pikes Peak State College Foundation. 鈥淲e know that providing scholarships for tuition is only one part of the solution to increase the number of higher education graduates in the Pikes Peak region. The CPP Grants help to close the gaps even more.鈥�听

Read the full list of grantees below:听

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听About the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges听听

Founded in 1987, the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges advances the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of the 蜜桃传媒. Specifically, the Foundation actively seeks contributions from public and private sources to make scholarships available statewide, advance key programmatic initiatives, provide training and support for 蜜桃传媒 college foundations, and develop partnerships to implement state of the art programs that meet the workforce needs of the 21st century.听

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About 蜜桃传媒听听

The 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒) is the state鈥檚 largest system of higher education and workforce development, delivering thousands of programs to over 125,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. The System鈥檚 open-access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to high quality, affordable higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the 蜜桃传媒 for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college .听听

The post Community College Foundations Awarded $3.9 Million through State Scholarship Initiative first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.

April 18, 2024 (Denver, CO) 鈥� The 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒) will partner on critical workforce development projects that received more than $23 million through the state鈥檚 competitive program.听

Created two years ago by , Opportunity Now seeks innovative solutions to meet Colorado鈥檚 workforce needs through industry and education collaboration. The 蜜桃传媒 System Office and eight member colleges will provide training and education support for 14 of 43 projects selected for the second round of funding.听听

鈥淎s the partner of choice for Colorado, 蜜桃传媒 is thrilled to be part of so many transformative workforce development initiatives,鈥� said Michael Macklin, 蜜桃传媒鈥檚 Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Partnerships & Development. 鈥淔rom designing curriculum to delivering instruction, our colleges will foster diverse, skilled talent for key industries across our state.鈥澨�听

Many projects will create streamlined pathways to in-demand jobs. The 蜜桃传媒 System Office will work with the Associated General Contractors of Colorado and Colorado Succeeds to link construction apprenticeship programs to associate and bachelor’s degree programs. To support Colorado鈥檚 growing aerospace industry, Red Rocks Community College will partner with CoorsTek, Inc. and the to create four micro-pathways that scaffold into an associate of applied science degree.听听

“As a longtime strategic partner, we are excited about the Colorado Aerospace Career Pathways & Talent Pipelines coalition that will focus on historically excluded populations in aerospace and manufacturing, enhance workforce equity, and contribute to Colorado’s educational goals,” said Bill Hughes, President and CEO of Education Design Lab. “The Lab will work closely with our education, workforce, and industry partners to resolve the workforce shortages and skills gaps faced by Colorado鈥檚 aerospace industry.鈥�听

Several 蜜桃传媒 colleges will help bolster Colorado鈥檚 rural workforce. Building on a successful model in Fremont, Trinidad State College (TSC) is collaborating with Emergent Campus to bring an incubator and training hub to Trinidad. The project will provide students with hands-on learning experiences and leverage existing partnerships with Pueblo Community College (PCC) to extend educational and economic impact throughout the region.听

“This is more than just a funding boost; it’s a catalyst for change in our community,鈥� said TSC president Dr. Rhonda Epper. 鈥淭he Emergent Campus project will open doors for our youth and bring new life to our local economy.鈥澨�听

蜜桃传媒 and its member colleges are partnering on the following projects:听听

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About 蜜桃传媒

The 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒) is the state鈥檚 largest system of higher education and workforce development, delivering thousands of programs to over 125,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. The System鈥檚 open-access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to high quality, affordable higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the 蜜桃传媒 for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college .听听

The post Community College Workforce Partnerships Receive $23 Million in State Grants first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.

The event recognizes students for their outstanding service and scholarship within three categories:听听

• The Inclusive Excellence Champion award, sponsored by SSAC, recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on their campus;听
• The Rising Star award, sponsored by SSAC, recognizes students who have increased the level and quality of student engagement on campus; and听
• The Phi Theta Kappa All-Colorado Academic Team award recognizes the academic accomplishments of high-achieving student members of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society from across the state of Colorado.听

鈥淓ach of these scholars have demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic excellence and community leadership, and their contributions are truly commendable,鈥� said Joe Garcia, chancellor of 蜜桃传媒. 鈥淲e are proud to recognize their efforts today and know they will continue to make impact wherever they go next.鈥�

The 2024 honorees are as follows:

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About 蜜桃传媒听

The 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒) is the state鈥檚 largest system of higher education and workforce development, delivering thousands of programs to over 125,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. The System鈥檚 open-access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to high quality, affordable higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the 蜜桃传媒 for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college www.cccs.edu.听

听

About the Credit Union of Colorado听

The Credit Union of Colorado has more than 90 years of experience serving members of the Colorado community. The Credit Union of Colorado supports local businesses, creates Colorado jobs, and is an important source of financial stability in the state economy. Today, more than 170,000 people, from all walks of life, enjoy the benefits of membership in the credit union that is worth over $2.5 billion in assets.听

The post 蜜桃传媒 Recognizes Outstanding Community College Students at Annual Awards Event first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.

鈥淎s open access institutions, our community colleges provide transformative education and training for Coloradans who need it most,鈥� said Joe Garcia, chancellor of 蜜桃传媒. 鈥淭hat mission is powered by the incredible faculty, instructors, and staff who demonstrate true dedication and teamwork in everything they do. I am proud to recognize our Employees of the Year and acknowledge the tireless efforts of our entire 蜜桃传媒 workforce.鈥�

Hosted at History Colorado Center, the event was made possible through sponsorship from the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (), which has partnered with the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges for the eighth year in a row.

鈥淚 am always impressed with the stories of our members making a difference on their campuses and in their communities,鈥� said Patrick von Keyserling, Colorado PERA senior director of communications. 鈥淲e are honored to continue our support for this event and enjoy celebrating these deserving employees who exemplify excellence, service, and leadership.鈥�

Representing 蜜桃传媒鈥檚 13 colleges, this year鈥檚 cohort went above and beyond to support their colleges and students. Red Rocks Community College nominated Adam Forland, a mathematics faculty member, for his work to launch the college鈥檚 data science program and his thoughtful teaching approach.

“At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to our students. Every action we take is designed to enhance their educational journey, providing them with thoughtful guidance and crafting opportunities that enrich their lives,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ngaging closely with students is a profoundly humbling experience, and it is an incredible honor to be a part of their journey. This award serves as a poignant reminder of the significance and impact of our daily efforts.鈥�

Many of the honorees were recognized for their work advocating for historically marginalized populations, including first-generation and disabled students. Aaron Lucero, an engagement coach with TRIO Student Support Service at Pueblo Community College, volunteers with several college, community, and statewide committees and organizations and helped found the college鈥檚 Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

鈥淚 struggled a lot with navigating college as a first-generation, low-income student. When I started working at PCC, I wanted to provide the support and guidance that I didn鈥檛 have,鈥� Lucero said. 鈥淚t is my goal to help students from their first day at PCC up until I read their name at graduation.鈥�

Click below to view digital program with honoree snapshots.

2024 蜜桃传媒 Commitment Excellence Award Honorees:

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About the 蜜桃传媒

The 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒) is the state鈥檚 largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy and support to the colleges under the direction of the 蜜桃传媒 for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college.

About Colorado PERA

provides retirement and other benefits to nearly 670,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, corrections officers, snowplow drivers, and other public employees who provide valuable service to all of Colorado. PERA is a vital and stable contributor to Colorado鈥檚 economy, distributing more than $5.2 billion in 2022 to more than 135,000 retirees who live in Colorado.

The post 蜜桃传媒 Recognizes 54 Outstanding Employees first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.

April 2, 2024 (Denver) 鈥� Joe Garcia, chancellor of the 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒), has announced Dr. Chato Hazelbaker as the next president of Pueblo Community College (PCC). A federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, PCC enrolls over 9,000 students annually across its three campuses.

Dr. Hazelbaker currently serves as the president of Northland Pioneer College (NPC) in northeastern Arizona and will begin his tenure on July 1, 2024. He will succeed president Dr. Patricia Erjavec, who will stay on to support the transition ahead of her planned retirement.

With more than 20 years in higher education, Dr. Hazelbaker brings holistic leadership experience serving at both two-year and four-year colleges. He has successfully increased enrollment and retention of students, developed in-demand workforce training programs, and forged strong partnerships with surrounding communities.

Upon accepting the position, Dr. Hazelbaker thanked Chancellor Garcia for the opportunity and expressed his excitement to lead PCC.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to building on the strong partnerships Pueblo Community College has developed and promoting economic development in Southern Colorado,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 also hope to continue the college鈥檚 focus on student success. When our students achieve their goals, the entire community benefits.鈥�

Dr. Hazelbaker comes to PCC with a strong focus on equity and economic mobility. As president of NPC, a federally designated Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution, he established the college鈥檚 first formal group dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion that effectively strengthened partnerships with the surrounding tribal nations. He also secured a federal grant that directly supported Native and Indigenous learners and worked closely with local communities affected by coal plant closures to expand programming.

A collaborative, entrepreneurial leader, Dr. Hazelbaker spearheaded a college-wide strategic planning process and revamped NPC鈥檚 enrollment strategy, reversing a ten-year decline and boosting student retention by 7 percent. To meet industry needs, Dr. Hazelbaker also partnered with experts to launch in-demand programs in behavioral health, allied health, and energy and industrial technology and led accreditation of new bachelor’s degree programs.

Dr. Hazelbaker previously served as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing for Carroll College, a private four-year college located in Helena, Montana. There, he oversaw a 28 percent growth rate in first-time, first-year student enrollment and partnered with the local community college to improve higher education access across the region.

Dr. Hazelbaker graduated from the Aspen Institute鈥檚 prestigious and has served on many boards and commissions, including , Northeast Arizona鈥檚 Economic Development Engine, and the Governor鈥檚 Interagency and Community Broadband Advisory Council. He is excited to relocate to Pueblo with his wife and connect with the wider community.

鈥淧ueblo Community College has a strong reputation, and I really enjoyed my time getting to know the community and the college,鈥� Dr. Hazelbaker said. 鈥淭he faculty, staff, and students that I met are dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities. I鈥檓 honored to be invited to be a part of that.鈥�

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About PCC

Founded in 1933, is a premier teaching institution focused on providing academic and service excellence, without discrimination, to help its students acquire the 21st-century skills needed to better their lives. An educational and technological leader, PCC fosters economic development and utilizes strong partnerships in the communities it serves through its Pueblo, Fremont, and Southwest campuses.

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About 蜜桃传媒

The 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒) is the state鈥檚 largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the 蜜桃传媒 for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at www.cccs.edu.

听

The post Dr. Chato Hazelbaker Named President of Pueblo Community College first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.

The scholarship process is easy to complete and qualifies students for a variety of awards of up to $5,000. Last summer, the Foundation awarded about $530,000 in scholarships to more than 300 community college students.听听

鈥淭hanks to the generosity of our donors, we are proud to provide a variety of scholarships that support learners of all backgrounds,鈥� said J. Adam Cermak, chief development officer and executive director of the Foundation. 鈥淢any community colleges students face obstacles in their pursuit of higher education, which makes these awards truly impactful in providing opportunities for economic mobility to our students.鈥澨�听

Applicants go through a holistic selection process that focuses on the student鈥檚 goals and circumstances, including a review of their financial need and short written responses about their education, career plans, and community involvement. To make the process more inclusive, the 蜜桃传媒 Foundation does not require transcripts, resumes, or interviews that often prevent students from applying.听听

鈥淗aving less to worry about with my education and living costs is extremely appreciated and helps me to focus on mastering myself in my degree,鈥� said Louis Tafoya, a Front Range Community College student and Foundation scholar. 鈥淭he donor鈥檚 contribution will be used to continue my journey, to help me seek graduation, and to become an added contributor to civilization.鈥�

For more information on the Foundation scholarship process, visit /foundation-for-colorado-community-colleges/scholarships.

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About the Foundation For Colorado Community Colleges听

Founded in 1987, the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges advances the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of the 蜜桃传媒. Specifically, the Foundation actively seeks contributions from public and private sources to make scholarships available statewide, advance key programmatic initiatives, provide training and support for 蜜桃传媒 college foundations, and develop partnerships to implement state of the art programs that meet the workforce needs of the 21st century.听

About 蜜桃传媒听

(蜜桃传媒) is the state鈥檚 largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the 蜜桃传媒 for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at

The post 蜜桃传媒 Foundation Opens 2024-2025 Scholarship Application first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.

March 18, 2024 (Denver) 鈥� Joe Garcia, chancellor of the 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒), has announced Dr. Sarah Heath as the organization鈥檚 next Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs.听听

Dr. Heath currently serves as 蜜桃传媒鈥� Associate Vice Chancellor for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and will assume her new position on April 15. She succeeds former vice chancellor Dr. Landon Pirius, who begins his tenure as the president of Red Rocks Community College this week.听

鈥淒r. Sarah Heath is a true trailblazer in higher education who has elevated the role of community colleges on the state and national level,鈥� said 蜜桃传媒 Chancellor Joe Garcia. 鈥淲e are thrilled she will continue her service in this critical role and know she will bring innovative ideas and collaborative leadership that will strengthen our system for years to come.鈥澨�听

Currently Dr. Heath leads oversight of all secondary and postsecondary CTE programs in the state, which train more than 230,000 students every year in fields as diverse as healthcare, construction, and engineering. 蜜桃传媒 is the only community college system in the country that administers all levels of CTE funded by Federal Perkins dollars.听

鈥淚mproving and increasing higher education opportunities has been the driving force of my career, and I am deeply honored by Chancellor Garcia鈥檚 appointment,鈥� said Dr. Sarah Heath. 鈥淎s vice chancellor, I hope to expand our cross-sector partnerships and develop more education and training pathways that lead to economic mobility for all Coloradans.鈥�听

Dr. Heath鈥檚 selection comes as 蜜桃传媒 pursues several groundbreaking initiatives, including launching a first-of-its-kind online education model, Colorado Online, and building out the Rural College Consortium that virtually connects courses and student services across seven colleges. Dr. Heath will also lead the implementation of 蜜桃传媒鈥檚 forthcoming strategic plan that will address shifting demographics, employer demands and learner preferences.听听

Over her nine years with 蜜桃传媒, Dr. Heath has become a sought-after policy expert in aligning K-12, higher education, and workforce development systems. She was recently appointed to the steering committee for Colorado鈥檚 that proposed dozens of solutions to streamline programs for students. Under her leadership, 蜜桃传媒鈥檚 CTE division created a statewide vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion; crafted statewide data-sharing agreements; and developed a data-centered culture for local planning and CTE program review.听听听

In recent years, Dr. Heath has received awards from national and state organizations, including an Equity Champion designation from the Colorado Association for Career & Technical Administrators and a Distinguished Leadership Award from Advance CTE, for which she served as president from 2019 to 2021. Dr. Heath was also president of the national from 2015 to 2016 and currently serves on the national board of directors. In Colorado, Dr. Heath serves on the and is a member of the .听

For Dr. Heath鈥檚 full biography, please visit the 蜜桃传媒 website.

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About 蜜桃传媒听

(蜜桃传媒) is the state鈥檚 largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the 蜜桃传媒 for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at .听

The post 蜜桃传媒 Announces Dr. Sarah Heath as Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.

March 14, 2024 (DENVER) 鈥� Joe Garcia, chancellor of the 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒), has announced three finalists in the Pueblo Community College (PCC) presidential search. The successful candidate will succeed outgoing president Dr. Patricia Erjavec, who will retire from the position in May after 14 years with the college.听

The finalists are as follows. Biographies of each candidate are available on the .听

• Cathie Cline, Ed.D., President, East Arkansas Community College听听
• Chato Hazelbaker, Ed.D., President, Northland Pioneer College听
• Kirk Young, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Affairs, Jamestown Community College

Cline will visit PCC tomorrow, March 15, to participate in a variety of stakeholder meetings and a community open forum to share her experiences and interest in the position. The forum will take place virtually and in person on the Pueblo Campus from 3 to 3:45 in the Hoag Theater. (. Hazelbaker visited PCC on Tuesday, and Kirk is visiting the campus today.听

The finalists were selected following a national search conducted in collaboration with executive search firm, . A nine-member search advisory committee, comprised of college and community representatives, identified the best candidates to move forward to the final round of selection.听

Community feedback is instrumental to the selection process. 蜜桃传媒 encourages community members and stakeholders to complete surveys for each candidate. Chancellor Garcia will review all the survey results before making his final decision.听

For more information about the search, please visit the PCC website:

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About PCC听听

Founded in 1933, is a premier teaching institution focused on providing academic and service excellence, without discrimination, to help its students acquire the 21st-century skills needed to better their lives. An educational and technological leader, PCC fosters economic development and utilizes strong partnerships in the communities it serves through its Pueblo, Fremont, and Southwest campuses.听听

About 蜜桃传媒听

(蜜桃传媒) is the state鈥檚 largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the 蜜桃传媒 for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at .听

The post 蜜桃传媒 Announces Finalists in Pueblo Community College Presidential Search first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.

The 蜜桃传媒 (蜜桃传媒) and six community colleges won nearly $309,000 in grants from the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) as part of a $1 million to expand use of open educational resources (OER).听

OER are publicly available teaching and learning materials available at no-cost. The grant awards range from $13,000 to $45,000 and will support faculty and instructors in developing OER and improving access for students. Collectively, OER have saved students more than $18 million over the last six years.听

The grant awards are as follows:听听

• Arapahoe Community College: $61,477听
• 蜜桃传媒: $45,563听
• Community College of Aurora: $30,000听
• Colorado Northwestern Community College: $74,000听
• Front Range Community College: $31,500听
• Red Rocks Community College: $45,000听
• Pikes Peak State College: $21,375听

鈥淥ur instructors and faculty are using OER in so many exciting ways. Some are using it to quickly update their materials to reflect our changing world or advancements, and others are implementing open pedagogy practices, which is a form of experiential learning that engages the students as the creators,鈥� said Brittany Dudek, 蜜桃传媒 Director of Library and OER Services. 鈥淲e are fortunate that our leadership is very supportive of OER efforts.鈥澨�听

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) won three separate awards to develop OER for its early childhood education and nursing programs and incentivize more programs to transition to OER materials. Mitch William Cota, Reference & OER Librarian for ACC, said the state funding will help the college create full 鈥渮-degrees鈥� that exclusively use OER.听听

鈥淲e are entirely thrilled to continue our work here at ACC and hope to move more of our programs to OER entirely,鈥� Cota said.听听

Increasing OER use is a key strategy to make college more affordable and boost student success rates, especially among first-generation and low-income students. Over the last 45 years, the cost of textbooks has risen more than 1,000%, and an estimated 66% of students skip buying course materials at some point during their college career, according to the .听听

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About 蜜桃传媒听

(蜜桃传媒) is the state鈥檚 largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the 蜜桃传媒 for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at .听

The post 蜜桃传媒, Community Colleges Awarded Over $300,000 in Open Education Grants first appeared on 蜜桃传媒.