ReHire Colorado
Last Revised: October 14, 2025
Program overview
Connecting workers and businesses: ReHire Colorado is a transitional employment program that matches participants with temporary employment, provides career development opportunities and coaching, and financial assistance to combat barriers to employment.
Targeting those actively seeking employment: ReHire is overseen by the Colorado Department of Human services but administered locally via social service organizations. These local agencies are responsible for identifying and recruiting participants and providing all ReHire services. All state residents who meet the following criteria are eligible for the program: household income falls below 150% of the federal poverty line, at least 18 years of age, eligible and available to work in the US, and are unemployed or employed for 20 or fewer hours a week. Participants must also prove that they are actively searching for employment.
One-to-one job matching: After joining the program, participants meet with an assigned case manager and discuss their work experience and goals. Individuals are then matched with a temporary employer based on their skills and local employer needs. ReHire then pays workers the minimum wage for up to the first 30 weeks of employment. Subsidized labor encourages employer participation by reducing risk. The program aims to match individuals with businesses who will hire them permanently after the end of the subsidy period.
Skill development: Beyond job matching, ReHire offers an array of services to increase participants' work-readiness. Enrollees may receive vocational training, professional development services (e.g. resume help), and job search assistance. The program also provides financial assistance to participants so they can acquire the transportation and certifications necessary to obtain gainful employment.
- Strategies
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Job placement services and supports
- Cost per Participant
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Net cost of estimated $4,989
- Location
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Colorado
A single study with a rigorous design provides some evidence for ReHire Colorado as a strategy for increasing labor market outcomes.
A 2023 randomized controlled trial found that access to ReHire Colorado services increased employment rates by 21% and earnings by 14% while participants were receiving program services. These gains decreased after program participation ended, but ReHire participants experienced lasting employment stability, higher job quality, and well-being relative to the control group. These sustained gains were driven by individuals who were permanently hired at their subsidized employment placements.
Incentivize employer participation: Training a new worker may take significant employer resources and employers may be reluctant to hire individuals who have been out of the workforce for an extended period. As such, employers may need incentives to participate in a transitional employment scheme. By paying participants’ wages for 30 weeks, ReHire reduces risk and costs for employers. Participation is also encouraged via tax incentives. When replicating ReHire or implementing a similar model, local leaders should advertise these benefits to potential employers to encourage participation.
Prioritize making quality job matches: ReHire’s impact is driven by participants who are hired permanently by their temporary employer after the end of the subsidy period. As such, program administrators should prioritize matching individuals with positions for which they are most qualified and with employers who have demonstrated a desire to permanently hire. This will increase the chance that temporary employees can meet employer expectations and that employers will offer a permanent position to participants.
Reduce logistical barriers to employment: Beyond finding and obtaining employment other factors may prevent individuals from participating in the labor market. For example, workers may have necessary skills but lack required certifications, reliable child care, or transportation to work. Offering financial assistance may help individuals overcome these barriers. Program administrators should also connect participants with local organizations and social service programs that may offer related services or provide subsidies to help cover costs.