OJT Services for Coal Transition Workers
Your Future. Your Plan. Your Move.
Career changes can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. The Colorado Office of Just Transition offers programs to support coal industry workers and their families. Here's what OJT can offer now.
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Core Transition Services
Transition Navigators
Transition Navigators are OJT staff members available now to help families understand their options, connect to benefits, and build a plan for the future. Early engagement can make a big difference in expanding opportunities and reducing stress during this time of change.
What a Navigator can do for you:
They listen to your situation.
They connect you to programs and benefits you qualify for.
They can help you build a plan for your next job.
Ready to find services that fit your individual needs?
Contact a Navigator
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
Financial Counseling and Education
The Office of Just Transition has teamed up with Money Management International (MMI), a trustworthy national nonprofit, to offer free financial counseling and support
What You Get with Free Financial Counseling:
- One-on-one help: Helping you map out a clear plan to make your money stretch while you look for your next opportunity.
Get a plan to save money and pay bills.
Learn how to reduce debt and improve your credit score.
Housing/Mortgage Counseling: If you are worried about foreclosure or eviction, or even just paying your mortgage, MMI can help you review your options and help you find the best resolution.
It's 100% private and judgment-free.
Ready to take control of your financial future?
Call MMI directly at 1-866-934-9249. This is a dedicated line for coal workers in Colorado.
Business Startup Assistance
OJT's Business Startup Training will provide aspiring and growing business owners with resources to move from business concept to reality or scale their business confidently. In partnership with Startup Colorado, OJT is offering a free, two-stage training track for coal workers interested in starting or growing their own businesses.
The Idea Factory (Pre-Accelerator)
The Idea Factory is best suited for individuals with a new business idea or in the early planning stages. Cohorts are conducted virtually over a 4-week period.
Focus: Assess feasibility, learn foundational financial skills, and develop a pitch.
The Growth Challenge (Accelerator)
A six-week program designed for businesses ready to scale operations, increase revenue and expand market impact.
Ready to Get Your Business Idea Moving?
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Enhanced Transition Services - Up to $11,250 in Financial Support for Eligible Workers
STEP Initiative
The Office of Just Transition STEP Initiative (Support for Training, Education, and Professional Growth) can help pay for training and education opportunities
What the Program Covers:
This program can help pay for programs that are part of your personal or family plan for a new career
- Courses at colleges and universities
- Continuing education classes
- Apprenticeships
- Industry-recognized training programs
- Trade schools and programs
- Professional Licensing programs
- Costs for tuition, required books, supplies, equipment, and fees
- Other costs that enable you to attend class, like childcare or transportation
Important Things to Know:
- You can receive up to $11,250 in grant funds, depending on your eligibility, to help with education costs
. - Funds received through STEP will reduce the total amount you may be eligible for through other OJT programs, such as business startup grants and retirement assistance.
Ready to take the next STEP toward a new career?
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Business Startup Funding
Workers who qualify for enhanced services and who complete OJT's business startup training will become eligible for business startup and expansion funds. This applies to new purchases made after you complete each training stage.
How it Works
Finish the Idea Factory: You can then apply for up to $1,250 to pay yourself back for costs to begin implementing your idea.
Finish the Growth Challenge: You can then apply for up to $10,000 to pay yourself back for new costs to grow your business.
Important Things to Know:
- You can receive up to a total of $11,250 in reimbursements.
- All expenses must be approved by the Office of Just Transition beforehand
. - Funds received will reduce the total amount you may be eligible for through other OJT programs.
Email: navigator@state.co.us
SAFE Funding
Financial Help for Laid-Off Workers
If you have been laid off from a qualified coal industry facility, the SAFE Program (Stability Assistance For Family Essentials) can help pay for essentials.
This program gives you money back (reimbursement) for bills and expenses.
What will it pay for?
If you have lost your job, you may be able to get up to a total of $11,250 for:
- Housing: Help with your rent or mortgage.
- Childcare: Help pay for daycare or a sitter.
- Healthcare: Money for doctor visits or insurance costs.
- Moving Costs: If your new transition plan requires you to move, we can help pay for relocation.
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Other Support
Not Seeing What you Need?
If your transition plan requires funding for a specific goal not met by our existing programs, please reach out to find out how we may be able to support your unique needs.
Email: navigator@state.co.us