Care Forward Colorado was created to revitalize Colorado’s healthcare workforce by offering zero cost, short term training programs through community and technical colleges. These programs can be completed in a year or less. Students can learn skills to become a certified nursing assistant, emergency medical services professional, and many more healthcare professions that are desperately needed in Colorado’s facilities.
The purpose of choosing healthcare is because even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado was already facing shortages in entry-level health care positions. It is projected that by 2023 phlebotomists and pharmacy technicians will increase by 38% and 24% and general healthcare support jobs will increase by 16%.
Eligibility Criteria
Starting Fall 2022 through 2024 tuition, fees, and course materials will be covered for state students enrolled in the following programs.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Gerontology
- Paramedic
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Office Assistant
This program will not cover the tuition, fees or course materials for any course you choose to take outside of the certification's requirements. This includes any Essential Learning courses taken toward a future degree. It is the responsibility of the student to cover any costs from courses not required for the academic certificate.
Process
Qualifying, students receiving the CARE Forward Scholarship will need to complete a COVID Attestation before funds will be applied to the their account. This can be completed through the Finance Tab in MAVzone after census (last day to add/drop full semester classes).
No, this program only covers the tuition, fees, and costs directly associated with your healthcare related courses in the listed programs.
If you are taking Essential Learning courses, such as English or Math, that may be required for a future Associate or Bachelor's degree you will need to make a plan for covering the costs of these courses.
You must complete a COVID Attestation form to have these funds disburse to your account. You will be able to complete this requirement through the Finance Tab in MAVzone.
Funds are disbursed after this form has been processed by the Financial Aid Office.