Colorado high school students who lives in a middle- to high-income household are most likely going on to college. A from the state鈥檚 Department of Education shows 67% of those students enroll in a bachelor鈥檚 degree program. But those numbers are much lower for low-income students and students of color.
Last year, state lawmakers took several steps toward making access to higher education more equitable. Gov. Jared Polis signed two bills 鈥� one banning the use of so-called 鈥�鈥� by public colleges and universities, making Colorado the first state to do away with that practice. He also signed a bill to remove a requirement that public colleges consider for freshmen, instead having them rely on high school performance indicators such as grade point average, class rank and the overall academic rigor of a student鈥檚 course work. The new law still allows students to submit those test scores if they wish.
Nearly a year after those bills were signed into law, it鈥檚 not clear yet what the impact will be. believes much more needs to be done to encourage and support children from underrepresented groups in the pursuit of higher education 鈥� especially in STEM fields. Dr. Kamau was born and raised in Kenya and spent three decades as a surgeon in Colorado. He spoke with Colorado Edition about how higher education institutions can help more students.
During an ongoing mental health crisis, many Coloradans with serious mental illnesses end up cycling in and out of the emergency department or jail. Without easily accessible long-term treatment, this cycle leaves some with nowhere to go. 皇冠网址鈥檚 Leigh Paterson reports on a $65 million piece of legislation that aims to create more places where people can get help.
May 4th is known to fans around the world as . Colorado fans can show off their light- or dark- side fandom by grabbing one of a handful of custom license plates being auctioned by the state. Options include ANAKIN, KYLOREN, MANDO, YODAIAM, and JEDI. The to benefit Coloradans living with disabilities. The auction continues through Sunday. May the Fourth be with you!
Colorado Edition is hosted and produced by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1). Web was edited by digital operations manager Ashley Jefcoat.
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Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.
