Care Forward Colorado Healthcare Programs

Geographic Scope: Colorado statewide; available at community colleges throughout the state including PPSC

Focus Areas:

• Entry-level healthcare career training
• Healthcare workforce development
• High-demand healthcare positions

Eligible Programs:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Pharmacy Technician
• Medical Assisting
• Dental Assisting
• Other healthcare-related programs

Eligibility:

• Students pursuing entry-level healthcare careers at participating Colorado community colleges
• No specific income or residency restrictions mentioned

What is Funded:

• Full tuition coverage
• Fees
• Books
• Materials
• Necessary vaccinations
• Additional financial aid can be used for living expenses, technology needs, and other related costs

Additional Opportunities:

• Students may be connected to "earn while you learn" opportunities such as apprenticeships
• Potential pathways to first job in healthcare
• Program completion timeframes: some certificates can be completed in one year or less

Background:
Care Forward Colorado was created with federal funds directed by the Colorado Legislature to meet heavy demand for entry-level healthcare positions. The program is made possible by Senate Bill 22-226, signed by Governor Jared Polis in May 2022. The bill dedicates $26 million in state recovery dollars to train healthcare workers across Colorado. It was sponsored by Senators Sonya Jacquez Lewis and Bob Rankin and Representative Kyle Mullica.

Contact Information:

• PPSC Financial Aid representative
• Learn more: pikespeak.edu/care-forward
• Pikes Peak State College
• 5675 S. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906
• Phone: 719-502-2000

Application Process

1. Contact PPSC Financial Aid
   • Reach out to a PPSC Financial Aid representative to express interest in Care Forward Colorado programs
2. Program Selection
   • Choose from available healthcare programs (CNA, EMT, Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, or other healthcare programs)
3. Enrollment
   • Complete standard PPSC enrollment process
   • No additional application fee mentioned
4. Financial Aid Processing
   • Care Forward coverage includes tuition, fees, books, materials, and vaccinations
   • Additional financial aid for living expenses, technology, and related costs processed through standard PPSC financial aid procedures
5. Career Pathway Options
   • Upon completion, students may pursue employment in healthcare
   • Potential "earn while you learn" apprenticeship opportunities
   • Option to continue education or transition directly to work