
The Rocky Mountain Young Invincibles (YI) office is committed to advancing policy that benefits young adults, ages 18-34, in higher education, health care, workforce development, and civic engagement. YI values the leadership of our young adults, and our policy agenda is shaped and guided directly by young adults in Colorado.
Healthcare Access And Equity for Colorado’s Young Adults
Young adults in Colorado, especially those of color and in rural and underserved communities, face substantial barriers to accessing comprehensive, affordable, and culturally responsive health care. These alarming disparities reflect a broader lack of support around social determinants of health, including economic insecurity, mental health care access, and social support systems, which are critical for overall well-being.
Access, Affordability, and Equity in Higher Education For Colorado’s Young Adults
According to Colorado’s Talent Pipeline Report in 2022, 91.4% of jobs that pay a wage sufficient to sustain a family require some postsecondary education past a high school diploma. However, 60-70% of Colorado high school graduates never complete a postsecondary credential. Colorado’s higher education system remains out of reach for many young adults, especially those from low-income backgrounds, rural areas, and communities of color. The top barriers young adult respondents in CO faced when accessing higher education were financial and cost. Fifty-one percent of respondents felt that financial barriers were the main reason for limited access to higher education. Fifteen percent of respondents selected transportation as a barrier, followed by a lack of knowledge of the application process (11%).
Equitable Workforce Development For Colorado’s Young Adults
Colorado’s young adults, particularly those from marginalized and rural communities, face significant barriers to securing stable, well-paying jobs that provide a pathway to economic security. Despite Colorado’s diverse economy and growing demand for skilled workers, opportunities for quality employment remain limited and often inaccessible to young people from low-income backgrounds, communities of color, and rural areas. Many young adults lack access to high-quality training programs, internships, and apprenticeships due to structural inequities and a lack of local resources. These barriers prevent them from gaining the skills and experience necessary to succeed in a competitive job market.
