Governor Polis Celebrates Colorado’s Leadership in Education With Visits to Poudre Valley High School and National Blue Ribbon School in Fort Collins

NORTHERN COLORADO - Today, Governor Polis made visits across Northern Colorado to celebrate Colorado's leadership in education. This morning, the Governor visited Poudre High School for their Ninth Grade Success Showcase. Poudre received a Colorado Ninth Grade Success Grant to help increase the number of 9th grade students with the skills needed to successfully reach 10th grade on-track and on-time. To date , the school has seen a 13% increase in students who are on track. Poudre School District also received a $457,999 Response, Innovation, and Student Equity Education (RISE) Youth Apprenticeship grant in December 2023. This grant has helped high schools in the region expand youth-based apprenticeship opportunities and create more pathways for students to build skills and experiences needed to get good-paying jobs.

"Colorado is committed to helping every student succeed no matter their zip code and it's exciting to see the work Poudre High School is doing to help more students get the needed skills to thrive in the classroom and beyond, whether that's through the Ninth Grade Success grant or in partnership with the school district through our RISE Youth Apprenticeship grant," said Governor Jared Polis.

The Governor also visited Zach Elementary School, one of Colorado's 2024 National Blue Ribbon Award-Winning Schools. Zach Elementary received their second Blue Ribbon Award in September, for continuing to promote collaboration and personalized learning approaches to ensure student success.

"Schools across Colorado are creating more pathways for students to succeed. I am excited to visit this nationally-recognized school. Zach Elementary is an important reflection of our shared efforts to make Colorado a leader in education and I want to thank the educators and staff who work so hard to support students," said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis then joined Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, to announce $3 million in funding for Climate Resilience Projects through the National Science Foundation-funded Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, which is driving climate resilience projects across the region. This plan will help support water security, wildfire prediction and response, extreme weather modeling, soil carbon sequestration, and methane emissions mitigation.

"Colorado is leading the way in addressing climate change and using innovative solutions to become more resilient in the face of its impact. I'm thankful for Wyoming and Governor Gordon's partnership and openness to work together to drive innovation, strengthen public-private partnerships, and make the region more climate resilient. These projects will help secure our water future, protect Coloradans from wildfire dangers, and protect our air and I am excited to see them in action," said Governor Polis.

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