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.
Sign up for our newsletter to learn about new services as they become available or view the eligibility guidelines.
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 check to see what money and benefits you qualify for.
They help you build a simple 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 national nonprofit, to offer free financial counseling and support
What You Get with Free Financial Counseling:
- One-on-one help: Talk with a financial expert who will listen to your unique goals and values
. Get a plan for saving money and paying bills.
Learn how to reduce debt and improve your credit score.
It's 100% private and judgment-free.
Ready to take control of your financial future?
Contact a Navigator
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
Business Startup Assistance
Launching a successful new venture requires more than just a great idea. OJT's Business Startup Training will provide aspiring business owners with essential financial and educational resources to transition from concept to reality. Coming soon, our cohort based training will cover the core competencies required to start and scale your business confidently.
Ready to Get Your Business Idea Moving?
Contact a Navigator
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
Enhanced Transition Services - Up to $11,250 in Financial Support for Eligible Workers
STEP Program
The Office of Just Transition STEP Initiative (Support for Training, Education, and Professional Growth) can help you and your partner pay for training and education opportunities to support your next career step
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 (two-year or four-year)
- Continuing education classes
- Apprenticeships
- Industry-recognized training programs
- Trade schools and programs
- Professional Licensing programs
- Costs for tuition, required books, supplies, equipment, and fees
.
Important Things to Know:
- You can receive up to $11,250 in grant funds, depending on your eligibility, to help with education costs
. - You must use any tuition help from your employer or other sources first.
- All expenses must be approved by the Office of Just Transition beforehand
. - 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.
✅ How to Apply for STEP Funding
The fastest way to get started is to contact a Navigator.
Contact a Navigator. Email or call a Navigator to start the process and get more information.
Make a Plan. Your Navigator will help you complete your Worker Transition Plan.
Fill Out the Application. If you are eligible for Enhanced services and have a plan, you will fill out the STEP application form.
Wait for Approval. OJT will review your application. If approved, we send you a letter with instructions on how to submit your receipts.
Get Reimbursed. You pay the bill first, then send OJT the bill/invoice, your receipt (proof you paid it), and a W-9 form. OJT reviews this and pays you back (reimburses you).
Do I Qualify?
You must be eligible for OJT's Enhanced Services.
You must have completed a Worker Transition Plan.
Your need for STEP funds must match the goals in your plan.
The fastest way to know if you qualify is to call or email a Navigator.
Ready to take the next STEP toward a new career?
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
Business Startup Grants
Money is often the hardest part of starting up a business. That's why for workers qualifying for enhanced services who complete our business startup training will become eligible for a special grant opportunity.
Important Things to Know:
- You can receive up to $11,250 in grant funds, depending on your eligibility
. - 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, such as the STEP program and retirement assistance.
Do I qualify?
The fastest way to know if you can get help is to call or text a Navigator.:
This program is designed to help specific coal industry and supply chain workers who have lost or are at risk of losing their employment, have worked in the coal industry for at least five years, and who were employed on or before January 2020, as well as their spouses or domestic partners
. To get started, contact an Office of Just Transition navigator or career coach , who can assess your eligibility or view the eligibility guidelines. Must complete business startup training to be eligible.
SAFE Program
Help Paying Bills While you Change Careers
The SAFE program helps you pay for up to $11,250 for bills while you are looking for work, going to school, or pursuing you transition plans. We give you money back (reimbursement) for expenses like rent, childcare, and health costs that you have already paid.
How Much Can I Get?
You can get back up to $11,250 total for eligible expenses.
What This Money Covers
This program covers the essential bills you need help with while you are working on your new career plan.
Housing: Money back for your rent or mortgage payments.
Childcare: Money back for a licensed provider, or for a family member (not your spouse or dependent) who is 18 or older.
Healthcare: Money back for health insurance premiums (like COBRA), deductibles, and co-pays. This includes dental and eye care insurance.
Moving Costs: Money back for moving trucks, storage, and gas if you move your main home for your new job plan.
Other Costs: Expenses not covered by other OJT programs may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
What This Money Does NOT Cover
If another OJT program can pay for a cost, you must use that program first. For example:
Use the STEP program for training and tuition costs.
Use the Business Grant program if you need money to start or expand a business.
✅ How to Apply for SAFE Funding
The fastest way to get started is to contact a Navigator.
Contact a Navigator. Email or call a Navigator to start the process and get more information.
Make a Plan. Your Navigator will help you complete your Worker Transition Plan.
Fill Out the Application. If you are eligible for Enhanced services and have a plan, you will fill out the SAFE application form.
Wait for Approval. OJT will review your application. If approved, we send you a letter with instructions on how to submit your receipts.
Get Reimbursed. You pay the bill first, then send OJT the bill/invoice, your receipt (proof you paid it), and a W-9 form. OJT reviews this and pays you back (reimburses you).
Do I Qualify?
You must be eligible for OJT's Enhanced Services.
You must have completed a Worker Transition Plan.
Your need for money must match the goals in your plan.
The fastest way to know if you qualify is to call or email a Navigator.
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
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
Cell: 983.208.5102