Coloradans are encouraged to show their college spirit and support students’ decision to continue their education beyond high school

To increase awareness about the importance of higher education and encourage Colorado students to continue their education—whether at a college, university or through a certificate program— Gov. John Hickenlooper proclaims Friday, April 21 as College Friday. College Friday was launched by College In Colorado in 2006. The proclamation appears below.

On College Friday, all Coloradans are encouraged to wear apparel from their alma mater or favorite college to support students on their path to postsecondary success.

“This is a fun day with an important message. We want every student thinking about their academic journey beyond high school,” said Colorado Department of Higher Education Executive Director Kim Hunter Reed.  “To participate in the knowledge economy, students must go higher.” 

By 2020, 74 percent of jobs in Colorado will require some form of postsecondary education.  Only about 53 percent of Colorado adults have a degree or certificate, and that number is much lower for our minority and rural populations. 

Proclamation

WHEREAS, 74% of jobs in Colorado will require a postsecondary education by 2020; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to increase awareness about the importance of higher education and to encourage Colorado students to pursue their dreams of attending college; and

WHEREAS, we should remind Colorado students that higher education is attainable and that we are supporting their future dreams; and

WHEREAS, College In Colorado is hosting its 12th annual College Friday to support that effort; and

WHEREAS, on College Friday, all Coloradans are encouraged to wear apparel from their alma mater or favorite college to work and school so as to encourage conversations with students about the importance of pursuing education beyond high school; and

WHEREAS, College In Colorado anticipates more than 300,000 Coloradans to participate this year for College Friday at businesses, schools, and organizations across the state;

Therefore, I, John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the entire State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim, forever after, April 21, 2017, as

COLLEGE FRIDAY

in the State of Colorado.

GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this twenty-first day of April, 2017

John W. Hickenlooper

Governor