Colorado program provides free tuition for students in in-demand fields
The fields include forestry, construction, education, early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement and nursing.
“In Colorado, one of the things that we need a lot more of are wildland, firefighters, foresters and people that are working in land stewardship,” said Jennifer Lee, the program director for Forestry, Wildlife and Natural Resources at Front Range Community College.
Casey Coe, a student in forestry, found the program after he was let go from his last job.
“I have always loved to be in the outdoors,” Coe said. “And I found the Career Advance program online when I was just looking for a job and something new to do as a career transition. And found out that it was going to be, the tuition was paid for.”
“Once they’re done with their two-year program, they can actually go out and work in the field, kind of just like you see them now,” Lee said.
Fall of 2024 is the last semester the free tuition will be offered, unless more money is allocated. But there are no bounds for where this education may lead the students in the future.