Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative

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.

06/17/2026

Last week, students from across Southwest Colorado explored careers in healthcare through our Health Careers Institute.

Participants connected with healthcare professionals, toured facilities, explored career pathways, and gained firsthand experience with what it takes to work in one of our region's most in-demand industries.

Thank you to all of our healthcare partners who invested their time and expertise in the next generation of healthcare professionals.

06/02/2026

Thank You, Pueblo Community College Southwest!

A huge thank you to Pueblo Community College Southwest for being an incredible partner and host for this year's Behind the Drywall program.

From faculty and staff to administration and custodial teams, everyone stepped up to make students feel welcome and supported throughout the week. Your willingness to collaborate, solve problems, and create a positive learning environment played a big role in the program's success.

We're grateful for your partnership and commitment to helping students explore careers, build skills, and discover new opportunities right here in Southwest Colorado.

Thank you for being such outstanding hosts and collaborators!

06/01/2026

Thank You, Choice Building Supply!

We want to extend a huge thank you to Choice Building Supply for their generous donation of tool bags filled with tools for every student who participated in this year's Behind the Drywall program.

Because of their support, students didn't just leave with new skills, industry connections, and career awareness, but they also left with tools they can use as they continue exploring opportunities in the building trades.

Thank you, Choice Building Supply, for believing in our students and helping equip the next generation of skilled trades professionals! This is the second year they have sponsored this program.

05/30/2026

🎉🔨 That’s a wrap on Behind the Drywall 2026! 🔨🎉

Our fourth and final day allowed students to put their skills, creativity, and perseverance to work through a variety of hands-on experiences in the building trades.

Students:

🔥 Learned the fundamentals of welding while creating their own metal cube project
🛠️ Explored the art and skill of drywall installation and finishing (thank you Willeford Paint & Restoration)
📦 Designed and built cardboard shelving structures, applying engineering concepts, problem solving, and teamwork along the way

Throughout the week, students explored a wide range of careers in the building trades while developing skills that will serve them in any pathway they choose—communication, problem solving, relationship building, resilience, adaptability, and professional presence.

Most importantly, they challenged themselves to try new things, ask questions, work with their peers, and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available right here in Southwest Colorado.

A huge thank you to our industry partners, instructors, and volunteers who shared their time, expertise, and passion with our students. Your investment is helping build the next generation of skilled professionals and informed career explorers. And thank you to Pueblo Community College Southwest for being an amazing host and partner!

And to our students: thank you for bringing your energy, curiosity, and willingness to learn each day. We can't wait to see where your future takes you!