College Friday celebrates the many pathways to success

By Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education

If you hear the word “college,” you might picture philosophy students toting textbooks from one ivy-clad building to the next. But the reality is that higher education is evolving, both in our delivery models and who we serve. Today, an undergraduate student fresh out of high school is likely to sit next to a returning veteran, a single mom, a first-generation student — all from different backgrounds, but united in their quest for a brighter future through education.

This College Friday, we’re celebrating the different pathways to that credential beyond high school. We want all Coloradans to wear their favorite college gear on May 4, to encourage everyone to reach higher.

Colorado Department of Higher Education staff represent their favorite college or alma mater. College Friday was launched in 2006 by College In Colorado, a department initiative that helps students plan, apply and pay for postsecondary opportunities.

Students don’t come in a one-size-fits-all package — so we don’t push a one-size-fits-all education system. At the Department of Higher Education, our job is to get students on a path that complements their unique interests and aptitudes — whether pursuing a certificate, two-year or four-year degree.

Community College of Denver students show of their school pride.

Colorado is home to dozens of institutions large and small that can help students meet their personal and professional goals. Life after high school doesn’t have to take a straight line, either! Our application developer, Alex, earned a degree in art history before pursuing a coding certificate to switch career tracks. Our legislative intern, Sasha Strong, started at a community college as a single mom; today, she’s gearing up to start law school in the fall. In this fast-paced economy, we must embrace lifelong learning to remain relevant in our work and our communities.

Mascots from Johnson & Wales University, Colorado State University, University of Northern Colorado and University of Colorado Boulder strike a pose at the 9News Backyard studio.

So no matter what path a student may choose, Colorado has a program for you. Our College In Colorado website has countless tools, cost calculators, guides and more that can help students plan for that next step. Let’s rally around our students and let them know that we believe in their unlimited potential — it’s as easy as wearing your favorite college gear!

Strausburg High students sport their college gear for last year’s College Friday.