Jason Gonzales, Chalkbeat Colorado

About 40% of Colorado’s community college enrollment is made up of high school students earning college credits, part of a nationwide rise in younger students enrolled in college-level courses. But a recent report finds that Colorado and other states still face significant challenges in making sure those students get the most out of the experience.

The cost of tuition and fees at a Colorado public university has increased nearly 125% since the Great Recession, a rate far outpacing inflation since 2009. At the state’s two-year colleges, these prices have almost doubled.

The Colorado CareerWise program was established in 2016 to help high school students prepare for a career path.

The share of Colorado students who met or exceeded state standards on state math tests rose from last year to this year in nearly every grade. But when it comes to literacy, it’s more of a mixed bag.

The Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation program – also known as TREP -- gives students the opportunity to earn college credit without tuition costs.

As part of a regular five-year review, state lawmakers are making incremental updates they say will help drive more money to colleges based on how well they educate students.

A bill progressing in the Colorado Capitol would require each school to answer that question by adopting a plan and then posting it online for its community to see.

A new bill filed last week aims to revise state law to give those schools more consideration from districts in getting their construction needs included on local ballot measures.

The Youth Agency Coalition brings together six Colorado nonprofit organizations with the goal of empowering people ages 16 through 34 who want to effect change.

Consolidating Colorado’s public colleges and universities could save the state money, according to a new report.