Press Release: Youth Engagement Grants will Fund Efforts to Increase Youth Access to Registered Apprenticeship Across Colorado

(DENVER) - Apprenticeship Colorado within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's (CDLE) Division of Employment & Training (E&T) is seeking applications from organizations interested in increasing youth access to Registered Apprenticeship Programs across Colorado.

Grant amounts will be awarded in increments up to $100,000. The Youth Engagement Grants are funded by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor. The overall project is 100% funded by $12.5 million of federal funds.

Grantees will benefit from the support of the Apprenticeship Colorado team and participate in a cohort of other grantees launching initiatives to increase youth access to Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the state.

Due to rapidly evolving technology, declining birth rates, lower labor force participation and an aging population, much of the U.S. is facing a workforce shortage. Addressing the shortage requires strategies to build talent for the evolving economy and engage untapped talent pools. Registered Apprenticeships are a proven tactic to develop a skilled workforce. Apprenticeships offer workers income while they learn and create a steady talent pipeline for employers. An analysis of the CareerWise Colorado youth apprenticeship program found that 64 percent of youth successfully transitioned to postsecondary education, employment or both after completing an apprenticeship program.

"Colorado is an innovator in the apprenticeship space, strategically building programs to serve as a national hub for developing and scaling effective work-based learning models for our youth," said Kelly Folks, CDLE's Director of the Division of Employment & Training. "Expanding these opportunities is vital for young Coloradans to succeed in today's evolving economy, providing them with a proven pathway to earn while they learn and secure high-demand careers."

A virtual informational session will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 2 - 3 p.m. via Zoom to allow prospective applicants the opportunity to ask questions about this grant opportunity. Register for the virtual informational session on February 25th. Please email [email protected] for meeting accommodations.

Important dates for potential applicants:

• Application Deadline: April 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST
• Start of Grant Period: July 2026
• End of Grant Period: June 30, 2028

For more information, including full funding details and the application link, please visit the Apprenticeship Colorado website.

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