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DENVER, CO – The Education Committee today passed legislation to strengthen career pathways for public service. HB26-1136 would streamline skills-based learning and higher education curriculum to better prepare students for a career in public service in Colorado’s state agencies after graduation.
“Equipping students with the tools and resources they need to secure a good-paying job after graduation is our mission,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “The Pathways to Public Service Program formalizes partnerships between higher education institutions and state agencies to create stronger public service career pathways for students. With this bill, we’re establishing a talent pipeline from higher education to a lifelong career in public service. By relying on specialized curriculum and skills-based learning, we can help more students uncover a rewarding career path with limitless opportunities.”
“When we strengthen the career pathways to public service, we can help more talented students pursue a lifelong career with the State of Colorado,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This bill establishes the Pathways to Public Service Program to streamline the curriculum and skill-based learning students need to jump into a public service career after graduation. Our legislation firms up the connections between state agencies, higher education institutions and workforce readiness programs to foster strong career pathways so that students can feel confident entering the workforce.”
The Pathways to Public Service Program (HB26-1136) passed committee by a vote of 8-5. To strengthen career pathways, this bill would streamline skills-based hiring programs and establish stronger partnerships between state agencies and higher education institutions. This bill would create the Pathways to Public Service Program within the Colorado Department of Personnel to establish a basecamp for Coloradans seeking a career in public service. Under the bill, state agencies would work alongside higher education and workforce readiness programs to identify curriculum and coursework that would make it easier for students to enter a career in state government after graduation.
The State of Colorado is one of the largest employers in Colorado, employing more than 122,600 people in 2023. 33 percent of the state workforce is located outside of the Denver Metro Area, serving communities directly where individuals access state services. State employees serve in diverse skill areas that support Coloradans, including public safety, healthcare, wildlife and natural resource management and many others.