News

Actions

Where you can get a free (or reduced cost) education in Colorado

Where you can get a free (or reduced cost) education in Colorado
Posted at 12:15 PM, Mar 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-10 14:21:10-05

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. – Are you stuck at a job you don’t like? Maybe you need more education or training to advance your career path? There are several options offered at no cost (or very little cost) for those wanting to boost their academic potential.

A library card offers more than just a world of information, it now allows the opportunity for patrons in Colorado Springs to earn a high school diploma.

The Pikes Peak Library Districtin Colorado Springs recently launched an online high school available free of charge to qualified patrons 17 and up.

Career Online High School is offering the accredited high school diplomas and credentialed career certificates to patrons in the library’s service area.

The library is not the only option for adults looking to get more training. Many job services offer free courses.

The Arapahoe and Douglas Counties workforce centeroffers workshops, one-on-one employment counseling and training assistance. You can also earn certificates through the Colorado State University Extension office, which are offered at a minimal cost.

Caitlin Wilson, a spokesperson with Arapahoe/Douglas Works Workforce Center, says the services offered through her agency are available at most county workforce centers throughout the state.

Wilson also suggests checking with community colleges to see what kind of certificate programs they offer. Some offer free or reduced cost programs for eligible students.

Language courses

Learning English can be challenging, not to mention expensive. But there are resources available to those wanting to learn English as a second language.

Denver Public Libraries offers Plaza programming tailored to meet the needs of immigrant, refugee, and asylee populations. While the course is not a full language lesson, it offers second-language conversation skills, citizenship and business networking. Best of all, there is no cost for participants in the program.

For full language courses, Denver Libraries recommends the Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning. It offers an English Language Acquisition (ELA) program that are taught in 12 – 20 week sessions that meet 4-6 hours per week. The cost is minimum.

Resources:

Education & Financial Aid
Colorado’s Approved Training Provider List
College In Colorado
GoodCall Scholarship
Fast Web

Community Colleges
Arapahoe Community College
Community College of Aurora
Community College of Denver
Red Rocks Community College

Financial Aid
Colorado Association of Financial Aid Administrators
FAFSA
Federal Student Aid
U.S. Department of Education Financial Aid
U.S. Grants & Student Aid Assistance

---------

Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.

Or, keep up-to-date by following Denver7 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.