An empty university lecture hall with rows of wooden seats and a blackboard at the front, often filled with students eager for higher education.

For-Profit Schools: Bad Actors in Higher Education

For-profit schools reflect another flaw in the higher education system, thanks to their negative impact on the student debt crisis.

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Despite a Strong Economy, Colorado Wages Barely Outpaced Inflation in 2018

CDLE data point to wages that continue to grow slowly, and show average workers aren't benefiting as much as economic numbers might suggest.

Dusk view of Union Station with illuminated signage, vehicles, and a scooter in the foreground, highlighting the Denver workers returning from their minimum wage jobs.

Denver Workers in Minimum & Low-Wage Jobs

Our research shows a higher local minimum wage in Denver would likely help over 116,000 workers. Find out more in our latest brief.

Person holding a red paper with a sad face in front of their head against a textured wall, symbolizing the student debt scale.

The Economic Scale of Student Debt

The impacts on higher education and labor markets, as well as the financial well-being of future generations reflect the scale of the student debt crisis.

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Colorado’s Emerging Postsecondary & Workforce Ecosystem

The first phase of the Bell's Future of Work & Learning Project is a landscape assessment, outlining major stakeholders and legislation that has shaped the ecosystem.

Chefs preparing meals in a busy restaurant kitchen, often considered low-wage jobs.

By the Numbers: Colorado Workers in Low-Wage Jobs

New Bell analysis shows which Coloradans stand to benefit from changes to local minimum wages. Read our findings now.

Safety helmets hanging on a rope at a middle-class entry construction site.

Is Middle Class Entry Possible Without a College Degree?

Construction and extraction jobs are commonly mentioned as alternatives to the professional and managerial jobs that commonly require (increasingly costly) degrees.

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Retirement Security: Learning from Oregon & Washington

A lack of retirement security poses serious problems for Coloradans and their families, but the larger economy will also be in trouble if something doesn't change.

paid leave colorado

Colorado Paid Leave: Learning From Massachusetts & Washington

Despite proposed bills, a Colorado paid leave plan has been stymied by the state Senate, while six states and D.C. already have laws on the books.

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The Future of Work: Implications for Colorado Women

Colorado's economy depends on working women, yet Colorado women cannot depend on our current workplace policies, regulations, politics, and societal norms.