Colorado took a big step toward becoming a climate-technology hub this week, and Metropolitan State University of Denver will play a key role in developing the skilled workforce needed to run it.
Why it matters
Colorado and Wyoming are working together to make the Front Range a leader in mitigating climate change by developing innovative solutions and technology for managing wildfires, water resources, sustainable agriculture and extreme weather events.
MSU Denver is a key workforce partner in the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, which is one of 10 projects to be awarded a $160 million grant each to be paid over 10 years.
The CO-WY Engine will address two significant challenges to building a robust climate-centric workforce — improving access to higher education and closing equity gaps in workforce participation.
The Engine’s workforce and talent strategy will prioritize these two challenges by supporting existing employers, emerging businesses and individuals.
Maluwa Behringer, executive director of Industry Partnerships
“Being the workforce development partner for the CO-WY Engine is a great example of how MSU Denver continues to be an indispensable and agile provider of talent and skill that drives Colorado’s economy, especially in this emerging area of climate resilience.”
How MSU Denver is involved
MSU Denver will receive funding for an Industry Navigator who will work with companies to establish internships and work-based learning programs for students. The university will also receive funding for the Earn and Learn program, which ensures that students get paid for these opportunities.
Other key partners include prominent research institutions, federal laboratories, regional economic–development organizations and policy and community groups.
Will Simpkins, associate vice president of Student Affairs
“Roadrunners continue to be at the forefront of blurring the boundaries between post-secondary education and workforce and expanding how leaders think about economic development. These funds will support MSU Denver’s efforts to grow our strategy in the climate resilience sector with a dedicated industry navigator in the C2 Hub and dedicated Earn & Learn dollars to support student internships.”
By the numbers
Over 10 years, the funds are poised to help over 5,000 people train for over 22,000 job openings and aim to stimulate the economy by over $1.5 billion. The Colorado-Wyoming Engine will receive initial startup funds of up to $15 million for the next two years before eventually receiving the rest of the $160 million.