PWR Diploma Endorsement

History and Statutory Requirements

The PWR Diploma Endorsement was legislated in 2008 as part of the Cap4K initiatives, C.R.S. 22-7-1009 and 22-7-1017. The intent of the legislation was to offer students an incentive and a stamp of readiness.

In 2010, a small group (10) created a document about what PWR Endorsement meant at the time.

In August 2013, the State Board of Education (SBE) and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) jointly adopted the first PWR Endorsed Diploma criteria.

In 2014 a much broader group considered the criteria for the endorsement and made a recommendation to CDE to suspend implementation of the endorsement until after the State Board of Education approved the Graduation Guidelines menu of options.

In Sept 2015, the State Board of Education adopted Graduation Guidelines

In 2017, the legislature passed SB17-272 which reinvigorates the PWR Endorsement discussion, challenging the state to develop predictive indicators for success in attaining credentials in career, the military, and in college. The legislature also approved HB17-1201 (Diploma Endorsement for STEM) and SB17-123 (Diploma Endorsement for Biliteracy).

The Colorado State Board of Education adopted the updated PWR Diploma Endorsement on April 10, 2019.

PWR Diploma Endorsement

Click the image below to view and/or print a copy of the PWR Diploma Endorsement.

PWR Diploma Endorsement Criteria

Work Group Objectives

Identify opportunities, challenges, and best/promising practices.
Develop implementation recommendations.
Explore and outline resources and tools.
Align skills, abilities, and knowledge that are valued by business, industry, and higher education.
Outline systematic pathways for students to explore and develop these skills.
Identify stakeholder connections and messages.
Maintain a written record of implementation recommendations, tools and resources, best/promising practices, and relevant discussions

Work Group Members

Todd Rinehart, University of Denver
Joanna Bruno, CDE
Lulu Buck, CDE
Fumnanya Camara, CDE
Gabriel Castono, Johnson & Wales
Charles Dukes, Aurora Public Schools
Spencer Ellis, CDHE;
Wayne Artis, Pikes Peak Community College
Carl Einhaus, Colorado Department of Higher Education, Facilitator
Scott Fast, Innovate + Educate
Jef Fugita, Jefferson County Schools
Elise Hauer, Adams 12
Shane Larson, Colorado Mountain College and Roaring Fork Schools
Ron Marostica, Re1, Sterling, RE-1
Colleen Newman, University of Colorado/Boulder
Sheila Potorff, Poudre Schools
Megan Tracey, Western State Colorado University
Renise Walker, Colorado Workforce Development Council
Catherine Wilson, University of Colorado/Denver
Diana Zakhem, Englewood Schools

Elaine Menardi, Colorado AeroLab
Deserie Ontivaros, MSU Denver
Brandon Protas, Community College of Denver
Shawn Rodwell, Cheraw School District
Misti Ruthven, CDE
Robin Russel, CDE
Luis Sandoval, MSU Denver
Jennie Shilling, Greeley Schools
Becky Sneller, Wiggins
Andy Tucker, CDE, Facilitator
Tammy Ward, Community College System
Lee Wheeler-Berliner, Colorado Workforce Development Council
Fumnanya Camera, CDE
Dan Hoff, District 11
Tammy Lawrence, Boulder Valley Schools
Mimi Leonard, Littleton Public Schools
Ian MacGillivray, Colorado Department of Higher Education and Community College System
Kim Medina, Colorado School of Mines

Work Group Meeting Dates

February 8, 2018

March 8, 2018

April 19, 2018

May 17, 2018

September 13, 2018

Meeting Resources

February 8, 2018:

March 8, 2018:

April 19, 2018

May 17, 2018

September 13, 2018

PWR Diploma Endorsement Archives

For more information, contact Robin Russel