Growing our regional economy
The Metro Denver WIRED Initiative was largely funded through a four-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that started in early 2006 and finished at the end of January 2010.
The Metro Denver WIRED region is a study in paradox. On one hand, it has a thriving and diversified economy propelled by growing technology sectors and one of the most highly educated workforces in the country. On the other hand, it has a low high school graduation rate and a talent development pipeline that is “leaking” at all stages, leaving local workers inadequately prepared to compete in the fast-growing, high-wage industries in the area.
WIRED responded to this challenge, known as the “Colorado Paradox,” by building regional partnerships among industry, education, economic development, and the public workforce system to understand and implement solutions to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. WIRED and its partners researched industry needs, conducted a gap analysis of existing education and training resources and skill and talent shortages, and evaluated attitudes and perceptions about education and careers in WIRED’s target industries. As part of its work, WIRED teamed with partners to use the results of this research to develop and support 26 innovative and transformational projects that educate, train, and place individuals in jobs.
Learn about Metro Denver WIRED’s goals.
WIRED Nationally
Metro Denver competed nationally with more than 100 other regions for a WIRED grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The region was among 13 awarded a $15 million WIRED grant in early 2006.
WIRED was part of our nation’s global competitiveness strategy to build strong regional economies supported by a highly-skilled workforce. There were 39 WIRED regions across the United States and Puerto Rico.