Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) is a driving force for positive change in Colorado’s K-12 public education landscape.
“CEI is always at the [fore]front of delivering just in time, relevant professional learning, strategic planning, and leadership support. Thank you. CEI has made a difference for kids, families, educators, and businesses in our community. We wouldn’t be at the spot we are in terms of instructional shifts without the support from CEI.” Clear Creek Schools Partner
“CEI has led some amazing work in our district including the most engaging and clear strategic plan, including graduate profile, that I have seen in my 20+ years in the district. They have also followed up with guidance and resources that have transformed the way we look at community engagement, strategic planning, and equity!” Summit School District Partner
CEI’s mission is to champion, empower, and ignite Colorado leaders to deliver on the promise of public education to develop thriving young people and flourishing communities. We have built our reputation by playing three primary roles: implementation expert, strategic partner, and statewide convener.
With nearly two decades of experience, we’re not just responding to change — we’re driving it. We are the bridge builders, turning the promise of public education into a tangible and vibrant reality. Our data-driven strategies and systemic improvements are reshaping the educational landscape and advancing public education across Colorado.
CEI’s long-term vision is that all young people in Colorado exit K-12 education boldly taking their next steps toward hopeful, equitable, and prosperous futures.
We focus on shaping the future of Colorado’s education system by:
■ SCALING district systems change outcomes that champion relevant and meaningful learning.
■ Empowering leaders to advance aligned state-level change needed to SUSTAIN impact through policy, partnership, and narrative change.
■ SPREADING successful strategies statewide to ignite success for all students.
We collaborate with a robust network of school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) statewide to make school more relevant and meaningful for today’s learners. With a reputation for impact and a specialized blend of expertise, CEI is recognized as a trusted partner in cultivating stronger educational outcomes and a brighter, thriving future for Colorado.
In the 2024-25 school year, CEI partnered with 93 districts across the state, of which 89% serve students of a 50% or greater population of “furthest from opportunity” as defined by minority, FRL, or rural designation, reflecting our experience working with diverse districts in various regions of the state.
Over the past 18 years, we have partnered with educators and community members on the ground in over 150 districts across Colorado.
OUR FOCUS AREAS
We work in school districts to change practices in high-impact areas, with increasing priority on deepening leadership and governance practices necessary to scale this work.
■ Relevance and Career-Connected Learning
■ AI in K-12 Education
■ Social Emotional Development
■ Strategic Design and Improvement
■ Leadership and Governance
We partner with policy, advocacy, and other education leaders and organizations to influence policy alignment, address disincentives, and build broader public value to sustain local district systems impact.
Organization name
Colorado Education Initiative
other names
CEI, The Colorado Legacy Foundation
2007
Tax id (EIN)
26-1597530
Category
Education
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
3000 Lawrence Street Box #135Denver County, CO, US