Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Tag: Community News

How the EXPLORE Act is Boosting Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands

This week, lawmakers in the House Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously to advance the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a bipartisan package of outdoor recreation policy that could serve as a companion to America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA). The EXPLORE Act, like AORA, includes many key bills that Outdoor Alliance and its partners have helped develop and refine alongside lawmakers. Now, there are complementary packages of outdoor recreation policies in Congress: the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA) in the Senate and the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act in the House.

READ: How Aspen Groves Are Driving Economic Growth in Colorado’s Mountain Communities

“Outdoor recreation is growing, and Outdoor Alliance is thrilled to the House Natural Resources committee vote to advance the EXPLORE Act, a first-of-its-kind package of outdoor recreation policy that would improve and protect outdoor recreation experiences on public lands and waters,” said Louis Geltman, VP of Policy and Government Relations, Outdoor Alliance. “Millions of Americans get outside each year, and the EXPLORE Act will improve management for climbing and mountain biking, enhance how agencies manage outdoor recreation and invest in parks where they are needed most with the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership.”

Some of the bills highlighted in the EXPLORE Act include:

  • The Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT Act) would identify and create more long-distance bike trails.
  • The Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act) would safeguard Wilderness climbing.
  • The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR Act) would modernize recreational permitting for guides and outfitters.
  • Codifying the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which funds parks and green spaces in neighborhoods that need it most.

The EXPLORE Act would also help land managers inventory and protect outdoor recreation on public lands. 

There is no denying that outdoor recreation is growing in popularity. According to recently released economic and participation data, there has been a rapid growth in outdoor recreation, and therefore, a need for public land improvements in terms of how recreation is managed and protected to address the increased demand. The EXPLORE Act helps provide a solution for managing this new level of use.

The voice of the outdoor recreation community will matter tremendously in moving this package along. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action form to help people send personalized letters to their lawmakers. To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org. 

 

Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation.

Denver Ranked 3rd Nationally in New Study for ‘Future-Readiness’

The future looks comparatively bright for the Mile High City, at least according to a recent study that set out to rank the 100 largest U.S. cities in terms of their “future-readiness.” Denver ranked third, behind only Seattle and San Jose, California.

The study, released Oct. 10 and conducted by Point2, a Canada-based real estate services and research firm, was based on 30 metrics across five categories: Business & Technology; Internet Connectivity; Environment & Sustainability; Transit & Mobility; and Economy & Demographics.

Here’s a snapshot of what Point2 analysts concluded about Denver:

Innovation Leader: The city is no stranger to thought forums that brainstorm solutions for climate change, urban design and sustainability.

Aerospace Hub: Denver’s thriving aerospace industry is propelling it into the future. With a 16.32% share of science and tech jobs, it’s no wonder the city stands alongside established tech hubs like Seattle and San Francisco. This demonstrates its commitment to fostering a thriving tech ecosystem.

Startup Culture: The city’s startup scene is flourishing, with 460 startups leaving their mark. This entrepreneurial spirit is crucial for future innovation and economic growth.

Economic Wellbeing: Denver boasts an annual median income of $81,630, reflecting the city’s financial stability and potential for future economic growth.

Green Oasis: With an impressive total of 318 parks, Denver is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and ensuring a sustainable urban environment. Additionally, it ranks sixth out of the 100 largest U.S. cities in number of LEED Certified Buildings (954), highlighting its dedication to environmental sustainability.

Colorado College’s Bold Move: Breaking Free from U.S. News College Rankings

In February, Colorado College announced it would no longer cooperate with U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of best colleges. The private Colorado Springs school, ranked 27th nationally among liberal arts colleges, said the list “privileges criteria that are antithetical to our values and our aspirational goals.”

Colorado College called the ranking methodology flawed, and pointed to three main shortcomings: a questionnaire that asks institutions to rank each other’s reputation subjectively, a reliance on high school grades and standardized test scores that result in schools offering merit aid instead of need-based aid, and a metric related to student debt that creates incentives for schools to admit wealthy students.  

READ: Guest Column — Closing the Racial Wealth Gap With Education and Financial Planning

Leadership at Colorado College says feedback on the decision has been good. “We surveyed our staff, faculty, students, parents and alumni, and we had an overwhelmingly positive response,” says L. Song Richardson, president of Colorado College. “We aren’t afraid to take bold and courageous action to support our vision.” Colorado College does not actively participate in other publications’ rankings, and those organizations often use data that the school provides to the U.S. Department of Education.  

Other schools such as Columbia University, Bard College, Stillman College and the Rhode Island School of Design have also stopped participating in the rankings. Richardson adds that Colorado College will pay attention to its future ranking. “If we drop precipitously, this should engender further questions about the legitimacy of the rankings because a precipitous drop would not make sense simply because we decided not to submit data to U.S. News.” 

There are other lists. The Princeton Review published The Best 388 Colleges 2023. Forbes has its America’s Top Colleges List. There are other online lists based on various surveys. While imperfect, the rankings do serve a purpose. “Many of the metrics actually are good metrics,” says Corinne Lengsfeld, senior vice provost of research and graduate education at the University of Denver. “It’s a nice feedback loop that you are making improvements that really count.” The information helps DU leadership reflect upon the programs it put in place and areas where it improved.  

For prospective students and their families, graduation rates and retention rates are the most important metrics to consider. “You don’t go to a university with the intent to drop out,” Lengsfeld says. “You go with the intent to graduate.”  

One metric that can use improvement is employment outcomes, because Fortune 500 companies tend to skew those results by hiring large numbers of graduates every year. “The smaller businesses that get one or two graduates, their voices won’t be heard,” Lengsfeld says. 

People should consider rankings as part of a larger set of data. “It’s one source of information,” says Lori Kester, associate provost of enrollment management for Colorado School of Mines. “I don’t know that I would say it should be the primary source.” The best way to predict a good fit, she says, is to visit the campus.  

READ: Is it Possible to Get an Education Without Debt?

For employers, the rankings are less important than graduates’ preparedness. Kester says Mines has a good reputation among employers because graduates show up for their jobs ready to do the job they are hired for.  

One benefit of the rankings is they help Mines communicate the important work the school is doing. “We are a public institution, so we don’t have this gigantic recruitment staff,” Kester says.  

That awareness helps other schools too. “People value certain rankings because we’re all trying to find ways of standing out amongst a very crowded field,” says Chris Beiswanger, director of admissions at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. “There is not one tried-and-true source of who’s the best.”  

The rankings serve as a shorthand. “I think students, parents, outsiders, businesses, we all like the cleanliness of, ‘You went to the number one place, you must be good,’” Beiswanger says. He adds that that’s especially true for international students who want the reassurance that rankings provide.

For employers, accreditation and experiences should matter more than rankings. “If you look at successful people,” Beiswanger says, “you find they didn’t all go to top schools in the country.”  

 

Nora Caley is a freelance writer specializing in business and food topics.

New Research Shares Essential Actions to End Human Trafficking in Colorado

This week, the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking in Colorado, released findings from the third iteration of The Colorado Project, a community-based, research-focused approach to understanding and advancing Colorado’s anti-trafficking efforts. 

The Colorado Project 2023 Report provides an important point-in-time assessment of anti-trafficking efforts in Colorado, shares insights on partnerships, and offers an action plan to guide the movement’s next phase, with the goal of supporting sustainable progress to end human trafficking statewide.

This important research follows previous reports published in 2013 and 2019, and reveals that addressing housing insecurity, increased risks facing marginalized groups, and the need for critical representation in cross-sector partnerships are integral pieces to ending human trafficking in Colorado.

Key findings

The Colorado Project 2023 Report reveals that while progress has been made, human trafficking is still an urgent issue in Colorado. Three of the most pressing takeaways from the research include:

Housing instability and homelessness remain a top challenge for survivors of human trafficking in Colorado and the systems that serve them.

Housing is the highest priority project that anti-trafficking partnerships said that they would implement to decrease human trafficking if resources were not an issue. As a result, it’s imperative that professionals and policymakers working to address housing and homelessness understand the connection to human trafficking and work together with anti-trafficking advocates to increase safe, stable, and trauma-informed housing options. Comprehensive anti-trafficking training for those working to address homelessness is also critical.

READ: The Economics of Homelessness — A Potential Win-Win-Win-Win 

Marginalized groups, including immigrant and tribal communities, individuals who hold LGBTQ+ identities and youth experiencing homelessness, continue to be more vulnerable to exploitation in Colorado.

Recognizing that marginalized groups face higher trafficking rates in Colorado, there is an immediate need for agencies and organizations supporting these communities to develop innovative solutions such as internal training, local referral networks, and improved relationships with law enforcement. There is also a need to better understand the increased risks and vulnerabilities marginalized groups face, and why and how individuals in these communities are not responding to existing resources.

Anti-trafficking partnerships still lack critical representation in their coalitions necessary to be more effective.

Membership must prioritize survivors and organizations supporting underrepresented groups like immigrants, tribal communities, sex workers, youth and LGBTQ+. 

Specifically, 54 percent of participants in the Colorado Project noted that there were no members of their partnership who were human trafficking survivors, and 60 percent desired to include better representation in their partnerships. Put simply, this will require actively including survivor leaders as members and advisors in anti-trafficking partnerships, and promoting fair compensation practices for their participation.

“As we reflect on 10 years of anti-trafficking efforts measured through The Colorado Projects, it’s clear that while much has been accomplished in the past decade, gaps remain that must be addressed in order to effectively combat human trafficking in Colorado,” said Annjanette Alejano-Steele, LCHT research director and co-founder. “We are encouraged by the constellation of organizations, agencies, and activists who are committed to leveraging research from The Colorado Project in order to build a safer and more just world by ending human trafficking.”  

Research background and methodology

The Colorado Project began in 2010 as a rigorous grassroots research project to uncover what human trafficking looks like in Colorado, what has been done in the past to address it, and what can be done in the future to end it. Data collected between October 2022 and April 2023 provided the foundation for The Colorado Project 2023 Report. 

A total of 393 participants were invited to take part in the research through their involvement in anti-trafficking partnerships and shared their experiences as part of the most recent Colorado Project.

Of these 393 participants, 127 completed a survey that consisted of questions related to professional background, services offered, involvement with partnerships and policies surrounding human trafficking.

In addition, 197 participants engaged in 27 focus groups and 59 participants were interviewed individually. A total of 86 transcripts were reviewed and summarized as a result of these discussions. 

Action plan and next steps

In tandem with The Colorado Project 2023 Report, LCHT is sharing The Colorado Project 2023 Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to ending trafficking in Colorado. The recommendations included in The Colorado Project 2023 Action Plan were developed by a diverse group of survivors, practitioners, law enforcement professionals and advocates from across Colorado after reviewing the most recent Colorado Project data. Throughout the process, special attention and consideration were given to creating trauma-informed and survivor-centered recommendations.

The Colorado Project 2023 Action Plan includes seven recommendations that have been designed to provide consistency across the Colorado anti-trafficking movement while honoring tailored efforts to meet community needs. On Oct. 19 agencies and partnerships working to address human trafficking can find more information about adopting the recommendations and in the full Action Plan on the LCHT website. 

“Colorado communities should be celebrated for the work undertaken during the past two decades to address human trafficking,” said Amanda Finger, LCHT executive director and co-founder. “However, human trafficking is a dynamic issue that requires a dynamic response. It’s our hope that The Colorado Project 2023 Action Plan will provide tangible steps that can be taken across sectors to bring together the diverse experiences and resources necessary to end human trafficking in Colorado.”

The Colorado Project was originally funded by the Embrey Family Foundation. The Colorado Project 2023 was funded through generous community support, including lead grants from PB and K Family Foundation, Red Empress Foundation, and Rose Community Foundation.

Those interested in learning more about The Colorado Project can find additional information and resources here.

 

About the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking: 

The Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Denver, Colorado and is an established leader in the national anti-trafficking movement. Since 2005, LCHT has trained over 55,000 professionals and community members; conducted research to drive action and inform policy change; operated Colorado’s 24/7 Human Trafficking Hotline; and supported the development of over 200 future human rights leaders.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa recognized with Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Award

Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa recognized as the #10 Resort in the USA – Mountain West.

More than 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.

“We’re honored to be voted among the best of the best, including being voted the 3rd best resort in Colorado,” said general manager of Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, Robert Davis. “Our spectacular scenery, incredible amenities, and exceptional staff make Devil’s Thumb Ranch something truly special,” Davis continued. “We strive to offer lifelong memories and authentic mountain experiences with every single stay. With 6,500 acres to explore and amenities like award-winning Nordic trails, a full-service spa, fine dining, and an extensive list of activities, there really is something for everyone.”

Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a year-round mountain destination just 75 miles from Denver. Private cabins and cozy lodge rooms set the stage for the perfect mountain getaway. In the summer, zoom through the treetops on our four zip lines, ride through wildflower-dotted meadows on horseback, or conquer scenic single track on a bike. In the winter, glide across award-winning cross-country ski trails and ride through crystalline vistas on horseback or a fat tire bike. No matter what season, our lovely landscape is your playground. Relax and refill your cup with refined on-site dining, a full-service spa, and a year-round outdoor pool and hot tub.

The 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

 

About Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa

Located 75 miles west of Denver and 10 miles north of Winter Park at 3530 County Road 83 in Tabernash, CO, Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is a year-round, eco-luxe and award-winning guest ranch, destination resort, spa, wedding venue, and corporate retreat setting.

Easy to reach from Denver, but a world away from ordinary, the Ranch offers 6,500 acres of wide-open spaces, fresh mountain air, and true Colorado Ranch experiences such as year-round horseback riding, 35 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and mountain biking, zip lining, 4 miles of private fly-fishing waters as well as extensive guided access to some of the premier Gold Medal waters in the state, and more.

Honored among the top 10 resorts in the USA – Mountain West by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the Ranch was also voted the number one Nordic ski area in the U.S. by readers of USA Today, endorsed by Orvis as a top US fly-fishing destination, awarded Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for both onsite restaurants, and recognized for eco-friendly remodeling, restoration, and historic preservation.

Daniels Scholarship Program Applications Now Open — Why Your Kids Should Apply

The Daniels Fund recently announced the opening of the application for the Daniels Scholarship Program, providing a life-changing opportunity for students looking to pursue their higher education dreams. Colorado high school seniors are encouraged to apply to become a 2024 Daniels Scholar at www.DanielsFund.org/Scholarships by 4:00 p.m. MST on Oct. 15 to be considered for the scholarship.

The Daniels Scholarship Program provides the opportunity for motivated students to attend the college of their choice. The scholarship can be used at any two- or four-year nonprofit, accredited college or university in the United States. The Daniels Fund expects to award approximately 200 scholarships to the graduating class of 2024 in March. Since 2000, the Daniels Fund has provided more than $250 million to over 5,000 scholars.

High school seniors in Colorado, as well as New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, are eligible to apply.

“Bill Daniels believed a great education can be game-changing for young people with great potential, strong character, and big dreams,” said Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera. “We look forward to supporting the next generation of leaders, and the positive impact they will make with this opportunity.”

READ: Guest Column — Closing the Racial Wealth Gap With Education and Financial Planning

Eligibility requirements:

  • Be a graduating high school senior.
  • Be a resident of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah or Wyoming.
  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
  • Earn a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in high school (on an unweighted 4.0 scale).
  • Earn a minimum SAT math score of 490 and a minimum evidence-based reading and writing score of 490, or a minimum ACT score of 18 in each category (writing score not required).
  • The applicant’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must have an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less on their 2022 tax return on which the applicant is claimed as a dependent.
  • Additional income is allowed for additional dependents. visit the Daniels Fund website for specific details and examples.

What the scholarship covers:

Daniels Scholars’ full cost of attendance will be covered at partner schools within Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. A full list of partner schools is available at DanielsFund.org/partnerschools. Scholars who choose to attend a school outside the Daniels Fund’s four-state region can receive up to $100,000 over four years for educational expenses. Scholars attending schools within the four-state region outside of the partnership agreement can receive $30,000 over four years for educational expenses.

All Daniels Scholars also receive a laptop computer, networking opportunities, leadership development opportunities and career development.

2024 Daniels Scholars will be announced in March 2024. To learn more about the Daniels Scholarship Program or to apply, please visit www.DanielsFund.org/Scholarships.

 

About the Daniels Fund:

The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit DanielsFund.org to learn more.

InBank Launches New SBA Lending Division as INTQ Financial

InBank, a growing independent commercial bank serving the Colorado Front Range, southern Colorado, and northern New Mexico markets, announced today that it has launched a new small business lending division branded as INTQ Financial (INTQ).

In a strategic partnership with NOVATRAQ®, a premier cloud-based software platform for small business lending, INTQ Financial will originate and service SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and USDA loans to borrowers nationwide.  This move follows the announcement in May 2023 that InBank was selected by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) as the “Small Bank Lender of the Year” for the state of Colorado.

InBank plans to expand its existing SBA lending team and add additional resources to create the new division, which will be led by industry veteran Tim Romano as Managing Director of INTQ Financial.

“We are thrilled to be launching INTQ Financial to deepen our commitment to SBA lending, and to pursue new opportunities for InBank through INTQ Financial.  We aim to make the SBA and USDA lending process easier for small businesses, and we also plan to work in cooperation with other banks that don’t have SBA lending capabilities,” says Ed Francis, Chairman and CEO of InBank.  “We look forward to combining Tim Romano’s SBA lending expertise and the long-term relationship with NOVATRAQ to provide small business customers and bankers with the most robust and integrated small business lending solutions available in the marketplace.”

As a division of InBank, INTQ Financial will be headquartered in the bank’s Greenwood Village, Colorado location. In addition to its existing Colorado presence, INTQ has already begun its expansion plans with the addition of SBA Sales Executives in key markets for the company, including Arizona and Georgia, and expects to continue hiring experienced loan origination and servicing professionals to support its growth plans.

“This is a unique opportunity to build upon InBank’s Lender of the Year status in Colorado and grow it into a national presence,” says Tim Romano, Managing Director of INTQ Financial.  “I understand the vision that Ed Francis and NOVATRAQ’s founder and CEO, Louis Taylor, have for INTQ Financial — their shared commitment to excellence and customer experience — and I am looking forward to leading our team focused on executing that vision.”

About InBank

InBank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of InBankshares, Corp (OTCQX:INBC), a Colorado-headquartered bank holding company. InBank is an independent commercial bank growing throughout the Colorado Front Range and serving southern Colorado and northern New Mexico markets. At June 30, 2023, InBank had $1.30 billion in total assets. InBank offers a full suite of commercial, business, personal and private banking solutions with a focus on personalized service, technology and local decision-making. InBank was built on the entrepreneurial spirit and is led by a team of experienced banking professionals committed to the mission of positively impacting the lives of its customers, communities and associates. For more information, visit www.InBank.com.

Real Capital Solutions Acquires $188M Medtronic Lafayette Campus

Real Capital Solutions (RCS), a real estate investment company based in Louisville, has acquired the Medtronic Lafayette Campus from Ryan Companies for $188 million. The acquisition consists of two five-story life science office buildings located at 200 & 250 Medtronic Drive, at the intersection of HWY 287 and Northwest Parkway. The 42-acre, 404,159 square-foot property was completed earlier this year and is Medtronic’s second-largest U.S. campus, which will eventually house about 1,200 employees. As the sole tenant of the property, Medtronic, the number one medical device company in the world, has guaranteed a 20-year triple-net lease.

READ: How Life Sciences Are Fueling the Real Estate Demand in Colorado

“This was a rare opportunity to acquire one of the only purpose-built life science assets in Boulder County,” said Marcel Arsenault, Chairman, CEO and Founder of RCS. “We have a long history of investing in Colorado real estate, especially when it’s in our backyard. RCS is focused on high-credit, single-tenant net lease deals and Medtronic fits this profile perfectly. This deal is extremely safe and ensures our investors receive a stable, safe cash flow over the coming challenging years.”

The timing for the deal comes at a point when commercial real estate is seeing values erode in nearly every sector. RCS has been positioning for this downturn for some time, selling much of its at-risk portfolio, amassing cash and investing in similar high-credit, single-tenant net lease deals for itself and other ultra-high-net-worth families who are concerned about preservation of their capital.

“Not many companies are able to do a deal this size,” said Adam Abeln, Chief Acquisitions Officer for RCS. “We can because of our financial strength and sellers know we are capable buyers. Near-term, we believe commercial real estate values, especially in multifamily and office, will fall and defaults will rise. The next six to 18 months will be tough for many owners, particularly those who will need to refinance. We have strong relationships with lenders and plan to be major buyers, especially here in Colorado.”

 

Real Capital Solutions is a highly entrepreneurial real estate company that invests smart capital and provides practical solutions for real estate opportunities. The company has purchased and managed more than 370 real estate assets, totaling approximately $3.5 billion in acquisition value. RCS currently owns 70 properties with over $2.0 billion of assets under management.

United Airlines & MSU Denver Join Forces to Tackle Pilot Shortage

Metropolitan State University of Denver is partnering with Aviate, United Airline’s pilot career-development program, to combat the nation’s pilot shortage by putting more aspiring aviators in the flight deck.

MSU Denver is the only four-year university in Colorado to partner with United’s Aviate program, which offers a secure pathway and a conditional job offer as a United first officer. Former and current MSU Denver students and instructors who meet eligibility requirements are able to apply.

READ: The Colorado Aerospace Industry is Combating an Alarming Pilot Shortage — Here’s How

“For me it was just a very natural fit here in Denver,” said Marc Champion, vice president of Flight Operations for United Airlines and an MSU Denver Aviation alumnus. “We have one of the top aviation schools in the country, co-located with one of our biggest hubs.”

United intends to hire more than 10,000 pilots this decade. Once selected for the Aviate program, MSU Denver participants will continue to gain experience and build flight hours that will help them earn their commercial pilot’s licenses. Then participants will fly for an Aviate-participating United Express carrier or Part 135 operator (non-commercial operating carriers such as a private jet service or cargo carrier) to continue building flight hours before transitioning to United.

“United Airlines has been a longtime partner of the University, given our program’s history, reputation and accessibility in the heart of Denver,” said Kevin Kuhlmann, MSU Denver Aviation professor and lead in establishing partnerships with airline carriers. “Hundreds of MSU Denver alumni have successfully navigated the pipeline and moved on as industry leaders for United.”

MSU Denver student Morgan Katnik, one of the first students to be accepted into United’s Aviate program, inspects a plane at Fort Morgan Airport on July 15, 2023. Photo by Alyson McClaran

Morgan Katnik, a 25-year-old senior in MSU Denver’s Aviation and Aerospace Science Department, is one of the University’s first applicants to be accepted in the Aviate program. He’s most excited about the direct pathway and seamless transition once he completes the program, as well as the coaching he’ll receive from a United pilot.

“One of the biggest benefits for me was the real-world interview experience, so to speak,” said Katnik. “I was sitting in the same room waiting for my interview with more established career pilots, so that was a great a feeling to receive the same level of treatment.”

READ: FlyteCo Tower to Provide Scholarships for Women to Pursue Pilot’s License in Honor of One Year Anniversary

The need for new pilots like Katnik has never been greater. By the end of the decade, as more pilots retire, the shortage could approach 60,000, according to some estimates. That’s why, as post-pandemic air travel has surged, airlines, educators and the federal government are stepping up efforts to shore up the workforce.

Congress, which has until Sept. 30 to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, continues to grapple with solutions to the shortage, including a provision to extend the working age of pilots.

MSU Denver, meanwhile, earned special authorization by the FAA in 2021 that allows Aviation students at MSU Denver to apply for FAA Part 121 pilot jobs — expediting their path to major and regional carriers — after they complete 1,000 hours of flight time instead of 1,500 hours, under the FAA’s Restricted-Privilege Airline Transport Pilot authority.

And airlines are implementing their own pipeline programs, such as Aviate.

While addressing the pilot shortage is of the utmost important for the airline industry, diversity is also top of mind for major carriers, including United, Champion said.

“The perspective that individuals bring from diverse backgrounds and cultures helps us collectively make better decisions as an airline and Metropolitan State University of Denver tends to have robust outreach to underrepresented communities,” he said.

That perspective aligns with the mission of MSU Denver, one of the most diverse four-year institutions in Colorado. As of last fall, 31% of MSU Denver’s students who are on track to become professional pilots were people of color and 20% were women, the latter well above the industry standard of 6% in the U.S.

Champion said new generations of pilots bring a focus on technology and automation that previous generations didn’t see in their lifetimes.

He emphasized that new pilots entering the industry should stay on top of innovations to keep themselves competitive. He cited congestion in U.S. airspace as one of the major constraints to the industry’s growth and accommodation of the rising demand of people who want to travel.

“We need a lot of people who are not only working for the airlines but who are also looking to help solve some of those problems in the future,” he said. “How do we find ways of expanding the space that’s available to us or maximizing the space that’s available to us at our already-congested airports?

“There’s a lot of need for finding ways to make things more efficient, to use technologies that enable us to put airplanes closer together in the air and on the ground.”

The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Now Accepting Nominations for Class of 2024 

Do you know an amazing woman who has made a significant impact on Colorado and its residents? The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (CWHF) begins its Call for Nominations for its next group of extraordinary women to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Class of 2024.

The class of 2024 will be inducted in the Spring of 2025, marking the 40th anniversary of the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame.

“Our 40th-anniversary milestone is a true testament to the collective power of sharing the stories of these amazing women. We hope this inspires future generations of young girls and women to not only create their own legacy, but continue to honor those who came before them.” — CWHF Board Chair Barb Beckner

They welcome nominations of historical and contemporary women who have:

  • Made significant and enduring contributions to her field(s) or specific life focus

  • Elevated or affirmed the status and helped open/expand new opportunities for women and others in society

  • Inspired others as a role model, especially women and girls, by her actions and behaviors

  • Significant ties to Colorado

Nominations are evaluated by an independent selection committee comprised of diverse citizens from around the state who are experts in their fields.

You can view full nomination guidelines and access nomination forms in English and Spanish at www.cogreatwomen.org/inductees/nominate. All nominations must be received by February 1, 2024.  The Hall will announce the Class of 2024 in June of 2024.

To learn more about inductees, visit: Women In the Hall

About the Colorado Women’s Hall of FameSince 1985 the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame has inducted 189 women of various races, backgrounds, economic levels, career choices, political philosophies, and religious beliefs united by their outstanding contributions to society. The lives of these extraordinary women are shining examples of what can be achieved with passion, commitment, spirit, and the willingness to stand tall in the face of obstacles. They are trailblazers, visionaries, women of courage, glass-ceiling breakers, innovators, and rule changers in all walks of life. Their contributions span Colorado’s colorful and storied history, reach to its four corners, and have spread to touch our nation and our world.

They are teachers, doctors, scientists, politicians, social activists, bankers, newspaper publishers, philanthropists, humanitarians, authors, a symphony conductor, a former prime minister, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, a jurist, a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, an historical preservationist, a true Western pioneer, an aviation pioneer, a former Miss America, and a Cheyenne princess, to name a few. While some are well known throughout Colorado and the nation, others were pioneers in their small communities.