Community College of Denver (CCD) and Arapahoe Community College (ACC) have been awarded 2 million dollars through ZOMALAB’s SyncUp Colorado Workforce Design Challenge to develop and implement the Colorado Health Careers Collaborative (CHCC).

The Colorado Health Careers Academy, led by CCD and ACC, is a partnership with Centura Health, HealthONE and DaVita, designed to create seamless pathways from high school to employment in the ten fastest growing health occupations for those aged 15-19 in underserved communities. Nursing, medical assisting, medical lab sciences, physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, and surgical technology in both the associate and postsecondary certification pathways will be targeted. 

In addition to academic course work, students will also receive career navigation and information on various health career opportunities, gain access to innovative job shadow experiences and apprenticeships, earn about their aptitudes and interests, and obtain direct experience in the industry through virtual and in-person formats in Colorado’s largest health care systems.  

CHCC partners also include Beyond Campus Innovations, College Invest Colorado, and Arapahoe/Douglas Works! as well as seven urban and rural school districts (Englewood, Denver, Cherry Creek, Kiowa, Elbert, Elizabeth, and Littleton School Districts). 

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the SyncUp grant because CCD and its partners will target 1,200 students between ages 15 and 19 years old,” said Fida Obeidi, Academic Dean Center for Health and Natural Sciences. “We will create a non-traditional approach and a catalytic solution for a critical healthcare workforce shortage especially in entry-level positions.”

SyncUp Colorado received more than 130 applications across 40 high-growth industries. Three mid-stage scale solutions and three early-stage seed solutions, were awarded funding. Applicants had opportunities to win between $350,000 - $2 million per partnership application from a $5 million prize pool.

ZOMALAB, in partnership with the Colorado Governor’s Office, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado Thrives, SemperVirens, Skillful a Markle initiative, and Strada Education Network today announced the Colorado Health Careers Collaborative as one of six winners of SyncUp Colorado, a $5 million prize pool centering on the challenge question: “How might we accelerate education-to-employment partnerships that support Coloradans ages 12-24 to make informed choices and obtain job-relevant skills to build quality careers?”

SyncUp Colorado received more than 130 applications across 40 high-growth industries. Three mid-stage scale solutions, and three early-stage seed solutions, were awarded funding. Applicants had opportunities to win between $350,000 - $2 million per partnership application from a $5 million prize pool.

About CCD 

Community College of Denver (CCD) is a leading point of entry to higher education for the city and county of Denver. CCD provides cost-effective, high-quality college education, along with access and opportunity for non-traditional students, workforce development, training resources for local organizations, and community partnerships. CCD is a federally funded Hispanic Serving Institution. Learn more at ccd.edu.