Colorado’s tech sector is 48% more geographically concentrated than the national average, with an anticipated 11% growth in tech jobs over the next five years. This places our state sixth in potential growth rate nationwide. While this bodes well for our economy, this future growth is hindered by a mismatch of skills and requirements between tech labor and employer needs, which is compounded by the reliance on traditional college degrees as the gateway to tech careers. The current rate of college graduates suggests it will take a staggering 20 years to bridge this gap in IT talent. Unfortunately, the prevalent approach excludes many talented individuals, particularly women and people of color, who may not have access to traditional degrees.

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