Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative

10/09/2026

Building the future, one career at a time!

This week, 20 Dolores High School students got a hands-on look at building-trade careers during our Career Day at Pueblo Community College Southwest.

Students explored what it takes to build a career in the trades, connected with industry professionals, and saw firsthand the skills and opportunities available right here in Southwest Colorado.

Big thanks to PCC Southwest and all of the industry partners who helped make this experience possible! We're proud to connect students with opportunities that help them see what's possible after high school. 🛠️

Dolores School District Re-4a

10/01/2026

Montezuma & Dolores County businesses and organizations: we want you at the Futures Fair!

Connect with local middle and high school students and show them the careers and opportunities available right here at home.

📅 December 1, 2026 | 8 AM–12 PM
📍 Montezuma County Fairgrounds

Bring your organization, a hands-on activity, a demonstration, or simply your passion for what you do!

Help students explore. Connect with future talent. Inspire what’s next.

👉 Sign up to participate: https://tinyurl.com/4dwhydbn

Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce Cortez Retail Enhancement Association Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Dolores Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center Mancos Secondary Schools Dolores School District Re-4a

09/21/2026

Our September Newsletter is here!

The new school year is underway, and a lot is happening at the Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative.

In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing:
✨ A look at why workforce development starts with students
🎓 Highlights from our Summer Institutes
🤝 A new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County
💰 New grant support from partners across our region
👋 Board updates—including celebrating longtime leaders and welcoming four new members
📅 Save-the-dates and registration information for our upcoming Futures Fairs

We’re grateful for the partners, educators, businesses, and community members who continue to help us expand possibilities and create stronger, more intentional pathways into them.

Read the September Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/5xhppfsz

09/19/2026

We loved connecting with the Bayfield Middle School educators today to share our work and equipment available to them. We are excited to continue our partnership of strengthening pathways for students to in demand careers.

08/27/2026

What happens when students get to experience careers firsthand?

This summer, students across Southwest Colorado explored careers in construction, healthcare, and environmental fields through The Collaborative's Summer Institutes.

We asked them to tell the story, and this video captures it best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW6q-7xcN8I

Hear directly from our students about what they experienced, learned, and discovered.

Thank you to Black Bear Video for capturing all the magical moments and highlighting some amazing students.

What does it look like when students get to step outside the classr...

07/22/2026

This summer, we've had the privilege of partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County to bring career exploration directly to local teens through a weekly career series. From healthcare and the building trades to environmental careers, law, music, and so much more, students have had the chance to hear from professionals, ask questions, and discover pathways they might have never considered.

A huge thank you to every industry partner who shared their time, passion, and expertise. These experiences help young people connect their interests to real opportunities right here in Southwest Colorado. The future is brighter when our community comes together to invest in it.

07/15/2026

We're proud to celebrate an incredible leader in career-connected learning!

Congratulations to Molly Turner of Ignacio High School on being named the 2026 Wood Industry Association Educator of the Year. This national recognition reflects years of dedication to preparing students for meaningful careers through hands-on, industry-aligned learning.

At the Collaborative, we've had the privilege of partnering with Molly to expand career pathways and create more opportunities for students across Southwest Colorado. Her leadership has helped bring industry-grade experiences, innovative programming, and stronger connections between education and employers to students throughout our region.

Molly's passion reminds us what's possible when educators, industry, and communities work together to ensure every student has access to a future filled with opportunity.

Congratulations, Molly! Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to students.

https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/woodworking-industry-news/woodworking-instructor-molly-turner-accepts-wia-2026-educator-year

The Wood Industry Association (WIA) named Ignacio High School of Ignacio, Colorado, its 2026 Wooden Globe Award for Educator of the Year at the Wood Industry Conference held in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

06/24/2026

A huge thank you to our Environmental Careers Institute partners who helped students explore real-world environmental careers.

Here are some of our partners:
City of Durango - Government
Fort Lewis College
Mountain Studies Institute
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
The Old Fort at Hesperus
IN-RICHES
USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest
And so many more!

Students learned directly from professionals working to protect and manage the natural resources that make Southwest Colorado special.

06/23/2026

The Health Careers Institute wouldn't be possible without the incredible professionals and organizations who open their doors to students.

Thank you to:

• Axis Health System
• Fort Lewis College
• San Juan College
• Upper Pine River Fire Protection
• Southwestern Colorado Area Health Education Center (SWCAHEC)
• And so many more!

Your willingness to share your expertise helps students see what is possible in their futures and builds a stronger future workforce for our region.

06/19/2026

What does a career in environmental science look like?

Last week, students participating in the Environmental Careers Institute explored careers related to natural resources, water quality, conservation, GIS mapping, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Through hands-on experiences and interactions with professionals, students discovered how they can turn their passion for the outdoors into meaningful careers.