Learner Voice Grants

Geographic Scope: Colorado (urban and rural communities)

Program Purpose: Mini-grants awarded annually to organizations across Colorado to amplify the voices of learners and earners in shaping education-to-workforce systems. Grants support initiatives that incorporate learner and earner perspectives in programs and systems design.

Focus Areas

• Storytelling projects
• Community conversations
• Surveys and focus groups
• Career exploration initiatives
• Work-based learning enhancements
• Policy development incorporating learner/earner voices
• Career coaching and mentorship programs

Program History

• Program inception: 2022
• Since inception: Over 1,700 learners and earners engaged
• 2024 round: $25,000 awarded to 10 partners (over 40 applications received)
• Multiple rounds of grants awarded (at least 3+ annual rounds documented)

Eligibility

• Organizations working with learners and earners
• Education and workforce development organizations
• Community-based organizations
• K-12 schools and districts
• Higher education institutions

What Grants Support

• Initiatives that center learner and earner perspectives in education-to-workforce systems
• Programs adjusted to better serve learners and meet local employer demands
• Multimedia production and peer mentoring programs
• Roundtable discussions with learners and alumni
• Career exploration and internship initiatives
• Integration of learner voices into program design and policy conversations

Expected Outcomes

• Programs become more responsive, fair, and effective
• Identify solutions from those with lived experience
• Findings used to improve programs and processes
• Expansion of opportunities for learners
• Strengthened communities

Application Process

Detailed application procedures were not provided in the available website content. However, based on program information:

• Selection Process: Competitive selection (over 40 applications received in 2024 round)
• Award Timeline: Grants announced in spring/early summer
• Contact for Details: admin@attainmentnetwork.org

Required Information

Applications should likely include:

• Organization background and capacity
• Description of learner/earner engagement initiative
• Goals and expected outcomes
• How learner/earner perspectives will be incorporated
• Timeline and deliverables
• Budget for $2,500 grant

Past Award Recipients (2024 Round)

1. Bright Futures for Early Childhood
2. CEC High School
3. Fort Collins
4. Colorado Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative (CEEMI)
5. Colorado Department of Higher Education
6. Denver Scholarship Foundation
7. Generation Schools Network
8. Homegrown Pathways
9. Juntos
10. Learning Economy Foundation
11. Young Invincibles