Empowering Rural Education: The Homegrown Talent Initiative

In Colorado, the unbundled learning movement is reshaping how education is delivered, bridging the gap between traditional schooling and real-world experiences. This initiative is driven by the need to provide students with relevant, career-connected learning opportunities that prepare them for future success. By integrating work-based learning, internships, and community projects, Colorado is fostering a learning ecosystem where students can earn credentials and develop skills directly applicable to the workforce. Organizations like Reschool Colorado, Jeffco Open School, and Colorado Succeeds are at the forefront, partnering with local businesses and communities to expand access to education beyond the classroom walls. This approach not only enhances student engagement but also builds a robust talent pipeline for the state's economy. However, overcoming legacy systems and ensuring equitable access remain significant challenges. Colorado's efforts exemplify how states can innovate to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

• (00:00) Introduction to Unbundled Learning
• (00:49) Challenges and Opportunities in Unbundled Learning
• (02:33) Spotlight on Colorado's Initiatives
• (03:49) Personal Stories of Impactful Learning
• (07:31) Organizational Efforts and Programs
• (20:09) Future Directions and Final Thoughts

• Watch the full video
• Read the full blog
• Unbundled Research Doc
• Getting Smart Unbundled Publication
• JeffCo Open School Blog
• Jeffco Open School 
• Melyssa Dominguez LinkedIn
• Amy Anderson LinkedIn
• Reschool Colorado
• Colorado Succeeds
• Shannon Nicholas LinkedIn
• MySpark 
• Embark 
• Resources from ReSchool Colorado
• Design Lab - resource to support people who want to co-design and co-create with communities that also includes sound clips sharing how RESCHOOL has used these resources and what it resulted in overtime
• REVOLVE - interactive game designed to build empathy for young adults navigating learning and life and to access and map resources, skills and experiences gained across a variety of settings within a competency-based learning framework. 
• DISCOVER Learning - search-based tool to find out-of-school learning providers aligned with a family's/child's interests, age, needs
• Family Choice Journal - family-facing resource to guide parents in making decisions with their children about schools and out-of-school experiences 
• Resources from Colorado Succeeds
• Homegrown Talent Initiative case study
• Path4Ward case study