Colorado Cradle to Career Program

The Colorado Cradle to Career Grant Program, established by Senate Bill 26-080, provides funding to local communities to foster long-term economic mobility. This initiative supports children and youth through a continuum of resources, ranging from early childhood development and academic enrichment to workforce readiness and family stability, aiming to break the cycle of poverty.

The primary goal of the Cradle to Career Grant Program is to empower local communities to deliver a continuous, aligned network of support for families. The program bridges critical gaps by connecting children, youth and families with:

• Early Childhood Development: High-quality child care, early education and prenatal support to ensure a healthy start.
• Academic Enrichment: Safe, impactful K-12 out-of-school-time programs focusing on sports, leadership, arts and culture.
• Family Stability & Safety: Access to affordable housing, mental health care, nutrition and targeted youth-welfare interventions.
• Workforce Readiness: Connecting young adults under 25 to quality jobs, apprenticeships and high-demand career pathways.
• Asset Building: Strategies to combat wealth disparities, unlocking opportunities for homeownership, higher education and entrepreneurship.

Who Can Apply?

Grants are designed to encourage local collaboration. Eligible entities include:

• Local governments (cities, towns, counties).
• Local education providers (school districts, charter schools, BOCES).
• State institutions of higher education.
• Indian tribes or tribal organizations.
• Nonprofit or not-for-profit community-based organizations.

To build a truly unified continuum of care, the program requires applicants to build formal partnerships across local government, education and community nonprofits.

Funding & Program Launch

To ensure the program has the robust foundation it needs to succeed, the Cradle to Career Grant Program officially launches and will begin awarding four-year grants once the cash fund reaches a minimum balance of $900,000 in gifts, grants and donations from public or private sources.

Once the program clears this funding threshold, it will award at least three grants to heavily impacted designated service areas. Once available, the request for applications will be posted on the State of Colorado Vendor Self Service site.