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Recent Accomplishments
Recent accomplishments by the Employment & Training Team
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- In September, the WIOA Evaluation Team presented its evaluation work at the WIOA Performance Reporting and Accountability Convening in Washington, D.C. Multiple states at the Convening expressed interest in learning more about how to conduct their WIOA-required evaluations using Colorado's evaluation efforts as a model. Presenters included: Elise Lowe-Vaughn; Barbara L. Larsen (Workforce Boulder County); and Dr. Brian Richard (Workforce Development Center for Governmental Studies, Northern Illinois University). Read the Performance and Equity in Colorado's WIOA Programs report at this link.
- Local Workforce Areas at the Colorado Workforce Forum showcased the variety of Workforce Development Month activities hosted throughout the month, and the Dynamic Works Institute presented on their training opportunities including certification in Business Solutions, Case Management, and NAWDP’s 5 Core Competencies. Check it out in this link to the recording of the September Colorado Workforce Forum.
- CDLE hosted its inaugural Career Services Symposium in October in Loveland, CO, bringing together over 100 Colorado workforce professionals for two days of presentations, activities, and networking. Kelly Folks, MaryAnn Lawrence (Board Chair, NAWDP), and Peter Hancock (Founder, Professional Employment Group of Colorado) facilitated presentations and activities on topics including job quality, digital navigation programs, and best practices for community outreach.
- In October, Colorado was selected to attend the National Governors Association’s Summit and Mini Action Lab on Disability Inclusive Workforce Policy. At the Summit, Colorado learned best practices and gained national insights that will enhance the State’s work towards disability inclusion in the workforce. Representatives from the CDLE included: Elise Lowe-Vaughn; Britta Blodgett (CWDC); Robin Bauknecht; and Eric Clark (DVR).
WDP is proud to announce that we have applied for the following grants:
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QUEST 2 (awarded): WDP received $5,000,000 in an additional round of QUEST funding. QUEST 2 will operate in all 10 Local Workforce Areas, continuing critical services to job seekers through September 2026. QUEST 2 greatly expands the definition of Long Term Unemployed, making more Coloradans eligible, and funds targeted outreach activities to connect priority populations to quality jobs.
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PROWD (awarded): WDP also received a $7,385,032, four-year cooperative agreement with USDOL and the Federal Bureau of Prisons to enhance opportunities and outcomes for adults in custody and improve safety for communities in Colorado. Currently in the planning phase through March 2024, this program will serve adults at the Florence and Englewood correctional facilities and the Residential Reentry Center in Denver, and will continue to support those job seekers as they begin life post-release.
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Colorado Youth Matter! (CYM) grant (applied): This USDOL grant (released as the Equitable Transitions Model Grant) awards $17.4 million over five years. The primary goal of the CYM grant is to improve the employment outcomes of marginalized youth and young adults (Y&YADs) with disabilities. CYM will increase Colorado’s capacity to develop innovative employment strategies in quality job sectors for underserved Y&YADs and their families.
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Success Stories
Success stories remind us that our work matters
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Learn more about how our work supports job seekers and businesses across Colorado.
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Did You Know?
Broaden your horizons, learn something new
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South Korea hosted the 4th annual Winter Youth Olympics in the Gangwon Province between January 19th and February 1. This year, a record number of 1,900 athletes ranging from ages 15 to 18 gathered to compete.
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Employee Spotlight
Welcome your new co-workers
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Trainer's Corner
Ideas for professional development
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The Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) is our profession’s certification and an excellent way to demonstrate mastery in the field. Certification involves completing a training course and accompanying exam and working in workforce development for 12 of the last 24 months. Anyone interested in receiving their certification, or is in need of recertification, should reach out to Lara Seiferd, lara.seiferd@state.co.us (Manager CC’d) for more information. |
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Achieving Success at Work
Thriving in a hybrid work environment
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This March marks 4 years (gasp!) of working from home and a shift to a hybrid work environment. Here are some good reminders for maximizing productivity and maintaining balance. |
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EDI Cookbook
Amazing recipes for the chilly season
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- Rib Roast Modern Way by Susan Miller - Page 27
- Ricotta Stuffed Shells by Laura Oliveto - Page 31
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes by Tom Carter - Page 38
- Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Pie from the South Central WorkForce - Page 42
- My Mom’s Holiday Sugar Cookie by Rudy Sanchez - Page 50
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Contributors
Thank you to all newsletter collaborators
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- Robin Bauknecht
- Jennifer Detling
- Kendall Einhorn
- Carlos Garcia
- Yolanda Greer
- Christopher Perez
- Kelly Reeser
- Lara Seiferd
- Max Soto
- Kelly Tomajko
- Steve Wright
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