Colorado Mesa University (CMU) has been awarded a $2.46 million grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), administered by the U.S. Department of Education, to expand workforce training programs on Colorado’s Western Slope. The announcement was made by CMU President John Marshall alongside Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd.
The funding will support short-term training programs lasting between eight and 15 weeks in fields with significant workforce needs, such as healthcare, technology, and transportation. According to CMU President John Marshall, “Leaders around the nation continue to recognize the unique work that Colorado Mesa University is doing to elevate the trades. CMU Tech is a division of the university dedicated to creating degrees and job skills training that are responsive, relevant, affordable and provide immediate return to families investing in higher education. The community partners who helped secure this large investment in the trades have been with us every step of the way, and we look forward to supporting them by using this money to create a vibrant and skilled future workforce.”
CMU Tech currently offers 31 associate degree programs and 63 certificate programs aligned with industry needs across Western Colorado counties including Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, and Montrose. Located over 250 miles from Denver in a rural region where access to education can be limited due to geography, CMU provides essential training opportunities for local residents.
To address lower educational attainment rates compared to state averages in Mesa County, CMU Tech emphasizes hands-on learning environments modeled after real workplaces. Programs are supported by internships, work-based learning opportunities, and registered apprenticeships developed with local employers. Flexible microcredential pathways allow students to progress from certificates through associate or bachelor’s degrees according to their career plans.
Cheryl Taylor, director of career/college readiness at Mesa County Valley School District 51 stated: “These expanded programs will help students graduate with marketable skills, increased employability and access to future-focused training models that prepare them for high-demand industries.” Joe Gerardi, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at Community Hospital added: “We believe that this initiative will significantly enhance the local healthcare workforce and benefit both jobseekers and healthcare providers in our region.”
The grant will enable expansion of current offerings through new microcertifications such as Commercial Driver License (CDL), Patient Care Technician, Ultrasound Technician, Medical Scribe, Bookkeeping and Accounting, Sterilization Technician, and Computer Science Specialist. Each program is designed for completion within 15 weeks or less and is developed in collaboration with employer partners like Mesa County Workforce Center, Mesa County Valley School District 51, Community Hospital and Primary Care Partners.
Jesse Marquardt of Primary Care Partners said: “CMU Tech’s approach to developing fast-track, industry-aligned programs allows individuals to gain valuable skills quickly, creating opportunities for both new entrants to healthcare and current staff interested in advancing in our organization.” Heather Nara of Mesa County Workforce Center commented: “As part of this collaboration… We believe this partnership will significantly enhance the local workforce pipeline and expand access to career-advancing education for Mesa County residents.”
CMU expects these funds will boost enrollment in short-term credentialing programs while improving completion rates across targeted fields. Graduates will receive industry-recognized credentials aligned with employer requirements—helping them secure jobs in critical sectors like healthcare or technology—and strengthen regional talent pipelines.
A statement accompanying the announcement clarified that content was developed under a FIPSE grant but does not necessarily represent federal policy nor imply endorsement by the Department of Education.
