Colorado Education Policy Cohort

The Colorado Education Policy Cohort 2023-24 is a 10-month professional development program for individuals whose work record reflects strong leadership abilities and a concern for issues important to children and education. Participants in the Cohort 2023-24 hold full-time positions in diverse organizations at the local, state, and national levels. Each participant in the Cohort will be endorsed and supported by his or her employing agencies.

The goal of the CU Denver School of Public Affairs Colorado Education Policy Cohort is to provide 10 months of professional development for individuals who seek a stronger understanding of key education policy issues in our state. Members will learn more about topics such as the legislative process, school finance, school accountability, and issues pertaining to the teacher shortage. They will develop a stronger understanding of the policy process and the various aspects of education policy. Education leaders and experts will join us for presentations and discussions each month. Time will be set aside for deeper reflection on the policy topics of special interest—as determined by the members of the Cohort that year.

Along with professional development, the other two central goals of the program are to expand and deepen each participant’s network in the education and policy space in Colorado, and to foster stronger leadership skills. Both goals speak to a larger purpose for the Colorado Education Policy Cohort: that participants complete our program more prepared to take on leadership roles in tackling the central education challenges confronting our state.

The purpose and structure of the program owes much to the eight years of the Colorado Education Policy Fellowship Program; between 2012-13 and 2019-20, 65 Coloradans completed this program, which was affiliated with the national EPFP office. Our revised program, the Colorado Education Policy Cohort, is independent of any national program. Its first year was 2020-21; as of June 2023, 27 Coloradans will have completed this program. Colorado EPC operates under the auspices of the CU Denver School of Public Affairs.

The Colorado Education Policy Cohort seeks 8-10 participants for 2023-24, individuals eager to play a leadership role in education policy in our state.

COST: $400. Includes cost of an overnight trip to a rural community and to at least two school districts and their local BOCES. 

For more information, please email or call Peter Huidekoper, Jr., Coordinator, Colorado Education Policy Cohort (peterhdkpr@gmail.com) – 303-718-8177.

Application and Selection Schedule

• May 14: Application period begins
• By June 15: Applications sent to EPC Coordinator
• By June 20: Cohort 2023-24 members notified of acceptance
• On September 10 (or TBD): Cohort 2023-24 begins - 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the CU Denver School of Public Affairs

Access the application.