MONDAY: GOV. RITTER TO LAUNCH COLLEGE DEGREE COMPLETION INITIATIVE

Gov. Bill Ritter, a champion for making college affordable and accessible for all Coloradans, will launch a new month-long campaign to encourage Coloradans to enroll in college and complete their degrees. The Complete College Colorado initiative - created in partnership with businesses, government, foundation and higher education leaders - will build awareness of the programs and services available across the state to help individuals earn higher education degrees or certificates. The campaign will also highlight the role higher education plays in improving the economic success of individuals, communities and the state.

Gov. Ritter will be joined by the CEO of one of Colorado’s largest corporations and a mother of four who is completing a degree she started in 1994. She will receive her degree at the launch event.

U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that having a college degree nearly doubles a person’s annual earnings. A recent economic study showed that, for the Denver area alone, increasing four-year degree attainment by 1% has the potential to add $1.8 billion to the city’s economy. Statewide, that number is estimated to be several billions.

The launch event will take place on Monday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at Denver’s Auraria Campus Science Building, 2nd floor Atrium Bridge. Enter the Science Building through the north doors into the Atrium/Café area, and take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Parking is available in the St. Frances Center parking lot.