History of Success

HOW WE’RE BUILDING COLORADO

It takes many hands to build Colorado and to continuously promote, execute and fund the types of programs needed that enrich our communities and allow the construction industry to keep up with the needs of our expanding population. We urge you to join our mission and sincerely appreciate your support.

We have awarded thousands of scholarship dollars to worthy participants derived since the foundation’s beginning in 2002.  These contributions were donated by industry members, like-minded companies and individuals for our various education and community-based programs.  As the need for workforce continues to grow so does our need for donations. 

In addition to strong industry support, we’ve successfully worked with various donors and partners as outlined below:

• State of Colorado RISE Grant – CEF partnered with Adams County School District 14 and Front Range Community College to bring P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools) and construction career pathways to the local community. Adams City High School is also the newest location of our Construction Careers Now training.
• State of Colorado WORK ACT Grant (July 2016-May 2021) CEF was awarded annual grants from the State of Colorado and other foundations to initiate various workforce development/educational programs that provide opportunities for all members of our community to better themselves. 

• • Successfully worked with Colorado legislators to secure this grant funding
  • Demonstrated an ability to obtain funding to provide shop facilities and training for high school curriculums

• OPUS Foundation Grant – CEF, Emily Griffith Technical College and Denver Public Schools received a grant from the OPUS Foundation to develop a Virtual Design Construction (VDC) certificate program. 
• WORK NOW Grant – WORK NOW provides wrap-around supporting services for CCN students and provides up-skilling educational support services and opportunities. 
• Nord Family Foundation Grant 
• Daniels Fund Grant 
• Pinnacol Grant

PROGRAM RESULTS:

Our Careers in Construction and High School Construction Connection programs have exposed a diverse group of over 3,000 high school students to the opportunities a career in construction offers by bringing educators and industry together through these programs. Students are now experiencing industry internships and contractors are enjoying fresh perspectives and enthusiasm from future leaders of their companies. 

Our various CEF high school programs are experiencing tremendous increases in participation from school districts, industry contractors, parents and students who recognize the tremendous future a career in construction can provide. The momentum is building daily!

Our Construction Careers Now program has added over 800 new construction workers to the industry since late 2016 through pre-apprenticeship, tuition-free education.

CEF’s programs have worked to build a more diverse construction workforce.

CEF is focused on creating an impact in the education sector with our youth, plus exposing adults in the general workforce to the tremendous amount of construction career opportunities available that support our community and our economy.