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Career Advance Colorado

Career Advance Funding Update

Funds allocated to Aims from the state of Colorado for Career Advance have been fully expended. No additional funding for this program is available at this time.

Zero-Cost Training For In-Demand Jobs

Colorado needs qualified workers to fill essential roles in high-demand industries. The Career Advance Colorado program provides zero-cost, short-term training at Aims Community College, offering you a clear path to employment or to earning a degree with limited debt.

Get free training to prepare you for essential jobs across a variety of industries that help support and sustain a thriving society. This significant investment by the state of Colorado helps ensure that these critical positions are filled by qualified individuals.

To qualify for funding, all Career Advance Colorado applicants must apply for federal (FAFSA) and/or state (CAFSA) financial aid. Once accepted into the program, you will earn a certificate in one year or less or an associate degree in two years or less.

If you are currently enrolled in Career Advance Colorado, these are the available Aims programs:

Construction
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education

Firefighting
Law Enforcement
Nursing

Aims offers flexible program options to fit your schedule, so you can earn your certificate or degree without putting your life on hold and get right to work in your chosen career after completing your program. Some associate degrees also transfer to a four-year college or university where you can go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, increasing your earning power with the first two years at Aims paid for by Care Advance Colorado.

How It Works

Starting in Fall 2023, students who enroll in eligible certificate programs at Aims will have tuition, fees, and materials covered as Career Advance Colorado funding allows. Many programs have rolling admissions periods with cohorts starting multiple times throughout the year, so you won’t have to wait to get started.

In addition to training, you may be connected to an “earn while you learn” opportunity—such as an apprenticeship—that could lead to your first job.

Read the complete Student Eligibility Requirements

About Career Advance Colorado

Career Advance Colorado logo, green text with a circle icon depicting blue sky and green trees or mountains 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, Sens. Janet Buckner and Perry Will, and Rep. 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.