Colorado Work-Integrated Learning (CO-WIL)
Building Colorado's workforce future through work-based learning in higher education
Established through House Bill 25-1186, the Colorado Work-Integrated Learning (CO-WIL) Consortium is a 3-year pilot program that embeds industry-sponsored, project-based learning directly into higher education courses. With $5.6+ million in philanthropic funding from Ascendium Education Group and Strada Education Foundation, CO-WIL helps institutions build capacity for work-based learning that launches student careers.
Priority for rural-located institutions and low-income serving institutions.
WHAT IS CO-WIL?
CO-WIL helps Colorado's colleges and universities:
- Build Capacity - Financial and technical support to integrate work-based learning into curricula
- Launch Careers - Connect students to real-world projects from employers across sectors
- Define the Model - Establish proof of concept for sustained work-integrated learning
- Sustained Support - Three years of resources, professional development, and technical assistance
- Built for Your School - Flexible framework that works for your institution, faculty, and students
How It Works:
Through a third-party vendor matchmaking marketplace platform, faculty integrate industry-sponsored projects into existing courses. Students gain real-world experience while employers access talent and fresh perspectives. The virtual platform connects rural, urban, local, regional, national, and international employers with Colorado students.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Application Period: January 23 – March 9, 2026 (closes at noon)
Your Institution's Commitment:
- Designate five unique courses (up to 5 faculty/instructors) to pilot work-based learning projects
- Participate in faculty professional development
- Provide data about courses and student outcomes
- Share feedback from faculty and student experiences
What CDHE Provides:
- Financial support for the project platform
- Financial support for faculty/instructor time for:
- Working with vendor on project selection
- Course development
- Professional development activities
- Travel funding for associated meetings or presentations
- CDHE field support for issues and feedback
IMPORTANT DATES
| Date | Milestone |
| January 20 & 22, 2026 | Town Hall Sessions |
| January 23, 2026 | Applications Open |
| March 9, 2026 (noon) | Applications Close |
| Week of March 23, 2026 | Consortium IHEs Notified |
| May 1, 2026 | Consortium Launches |
| June 2026 | Three-Year Pilot Begins |
MEETING RECORDINGS
CONSORTIUM COMPOSITION
Core Composition of CO-WIL Consortium:
Each participating institution provides:
- At least three representatives (Faculty, Provost/Academic Leader, Career Services Leader)
Plus state-level representation from:
- Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE)
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)
- Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
- Local or national work-based learning subject matter expert
STATUS UPDATES & NEWS
Latest Updates:
January 23, 2026
Applications are now open! Review the application criteria and submit by noon on March 9, 2026.
January 20 & 22, 2026
Town Hall sessions completed - recordings now available above.
February 5 & 6, 2026 – Vendor Platform Demo completed – recording now available above.