Educator Recruitment and Retention (ERR) Program
Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
Up to $7,500 toward educator-preparation program costs for paraprofessionals, alternative-licensure teachers and rural CTE instructors who commit to 3 years teaching in a Colorado shortage area.
- How much
- Up to $7,500 (2026-27, per State Board action April 2026)
- Who qualifies
- Employed in a Colorado public school as a paraprofessional, alternative/TEE teacher in a shortage area, or rural CTE instructor
- Enrolled in a Colorado-approved educator preparation program; 3-year teaching commitment in a shortage area or repay.
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- For education students
- When to apply
- Opens later Window opens July 1 each year (2026: July 1 - August 20); possible second window around December if funds remain.
- How to apply
- Apply through your CDE COOL account during the application window (July 1 - August 20 for 2026-27)
- If funds remain, a second window may open around December
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (ed.cde.state.co.us), page 2 and page 3
The details
Created by SB21-185. One-time assistance paid directly to the educator preparation program for costs not covered by grants or scholarships (loan-paid tuition is refunded). Applicants must be enrolled in a Colorado-approved traditional or alternative educator preparation program (or a college for a CTE credential) and be either a paraprofessional in a Colorado public school/district/BOCES, a bachelor's holder employed as an alternative or TEE teacher in a shortage area, or a CTE instructor hired in a rural/small rural district. Recipients must teach three years in a shortage area in a Colorado public school (starting the award year) or return the funds. Awarded first come, first served.
More money from Colorado
- CTE Grant (Tuition Assistance for Short CTE Certificates)Up to $7,395 (2025-26; equal to the maximum Pell Grant)
- COSI Matching Student Scholarships (Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative)Varies by local program
- College Opportunity Fund (COF) Stipend$116 per credit hour at public colleges; $58 per credit hour at participating private colleges (2026-27)
- Colorado Graduate GrantVaries; set by your college
- Colorado Promise: Two Free Years of College ExpandedReimbursement of out-of-pocket tuition and fees for up to 65 credits
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.