Jobs for the Future (JFF), in partnership with Colorado Succeeds (CS) and NORC at the University of Chicago, is pleased to announce an exciting new funding opportunity to support Colorado districts and high schools in accelerating career-aligned college credit attainment for their students. OPT will give schools the opportunity to create a college and career navigation system that centers students who often face barriers in college and career advising models, including students from low-income households, students of color, and students who were significantly impacted by COVID-19.

Schools and districts participating in OPT will leverage existing programs, including:

• Concurrent enrollment

• Work-based learning

• Student advisory models

• Wraparound support for disengaged youth

Building on several existing efforts in Colorado, including ICAP, ILOP, CDIP, CTE, concurrent enrollment programs, Path4ward, and work-based learning, OPT seeks to demonstrate the value of integrated student support systems that use these strategies in concert: student advisement in college and career, work-based learning, and concurrent enrollment. As a result of this integrated support system, OPT intends to increase academic achievement, student engagement from students who face barriers accessing these supports, early high school graduation, and access to transitional on-ramps to postsecondary education.

OPT is funded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Education, Innovation and Research (EIR) Program. Selected schools will partner with JFF and our collaborative partners to develop the resources and implementation plan for the launch of the OPT model in the fall of 2024.