Colorado Mesa University (CMU) has received a $2.46 million grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), administered by the U.S. Department of Education, to support workforce training initiatives on Colorado’s Western Slope. The announcement was made by CMU President John Marshall alongside Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd.
The funding will be used to expand short-term training programs, lasting between eight and 15 weeks, in sectors with identified workforce shortages such as healthcare, technology, and transportation.
“Leaders around the nation continue to recognize the unique work that Colorado Mesa University is doing to elevate the trades,” said CMU President John Marshall. “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 degrees and 63 certificate programs aligned with industry needs across Western Colorado. The institution serves rural counties including Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, and Montrose—areas where distance from urban centers like Denver can limit access to educational opportunities.
To address lower educational attainment rates in these regions compared to state averages, CMU Tech emphasizes hands-on learning environments similar to real workplaces. Instruction is 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 goals.
“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,” said Cheryl Taylor, director of career/college readiness at Mesa County Valley School District 51.
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.”
Grant funds will be used specifically for new microcertification offerings 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. Local employer partners—including Mesa County Workforce Center, Mesa County Valley School District 51, Community Hospital and Primary Care Partners—are involved in developing curriculum content so it matches current labor market needs.
“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,” said Jesse Marquardt of Primary Care Partners.
Heather Nara from 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 initiatives will boost enrollment numbers in short-term credentialing programs while improving completion rates across key fields. Graduates are anticipated to earn credentials recognized by employers in sectors like healthcare, technology and transportation—helping meet regional labor demands through strengthened partnerships between education providers and employers.
The article notes that its contents were developed under a FIPSE grant but do not necessarily represent federal policy or imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.
