Fremont Multi-District Initiative, 2006 CO-67, Penrose, CO (2026)

07/20/2026

🎉 We have some exciting news to share! 🎉

We're honored to share that the Fremont Multi-District Initiative has been featured in the Progressive Policy Institute's newest national report, A Practical Guide to Work-Based Learning: Lessons from Six Programs at the Cutting-Edge of Career Education.

To say we're excited is an understatement! It is an incredible honor to have FMI recognized as a national example of innovative work-based learning and career-connected education. Even more exciting is seeing our students, educators, and industry partners showcased throughout the publication, highlighting the amazing work happening right here in Fremont County.

This recognition reflects what is possible when K-12 schools, higher education, businesses, and community partners come together with one shared goal: preparing students for successful futures.

Every internship, business tour, industry-sponsored project, Summer Institute, and hands-on learning experience represents countless hours of collaboration from our partners. We are incredibly grateful to our participating school districts, Pueblo Community College, more than 250 business partners, educators, families, and community members who continue to invest in our students.

Most importantly, congratulations to our students! Your curiosity, hard work, and willingness to step outside your comfort zones are what make opportunities like these meaningful.

Thank you to everyone who has helped build a culture where students can earn college credit, industry credentials, and meaningful work-based learning experiences while still in high school. Together, we're proving that rural communities can lead the way in preparing students for successful futures!

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06/09/2026

Fremont Multidistrict Initiative Summer Institute keeps educating students

06/06/2026

🚣 Day 5: Adventure in Action: Outdoor Recreation & Tourism 🚣

What a way to wrap up an incredible week of Summer Institutes!

Today, students explored the many careers and businesses that make Fremont County a destination for outdoor recreation and tourism while learning how entrepreneurship, customer service, operations, and teamwork all contribute to successful visitor experiences.

Our day began at Observer Ranch, where students learned how tourism and entrepreneurship intersect to create unique business opportunities. More than just a campground, Observer Ranch focuses on creating meaningful experiences for visitors through enrichment, recreation, and innovative lodging options. Students toured the property and learned about the journey that transformed the ranch into the destination it is today. They explored topics ranging from water testing and uranium treatment to the use of a 3D-printed tiny home and the business decisions that have shaped the operation’s growth.

After learning about the business, students were challenged to think like entrepreneurs. Working in small teams, they participated in a Shark Tank-style activity where they developed and pitched ideas for future projects that could help Observer Ranch continue to grow and stand out in the tourism market. A panel of judges evaluated each proposal, with Team 1 earning top honors for their creative concept featuring a shade garden and outdoor theater space designed to enhance the guest experience. A special thank you to our guest judges: Jonathan from Haas Technical Writing, Lauren from Clarity for your Chaos, and Kate from The Star Village!

In the afternoon, students traveled to Raft Masters to learn about the behind-the-scenes operations that make river trips possible. They explored the many roles involved in the business, from trip leaders and guides to equipment preparation, logistics, customer service, and safety management. Before launching onto the river, students put in some sweat equity by helping inflate rafts, prepare equipment, and load boats, gaining firsthand insight into the work required before guests ever step onto the water.

Once on the river, students had the opportunity to raft and kayak while putting important workplace skills into action. Throughout the experience, they practiced teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving, safety awareness, and supporting others. These skills are essential not only in outdoor recreation careers but in any profession.

The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, and it was clear they had an amazing experience. Our guides were exceptional, demonstrating patience, professionalism, and outstanding organization while creating a fun and memorable day for everyone involved.

A huge thank you to Observer Ranch and Raft Masters for sharing their time, expertise, and passion with our students. Experiences like these help students see the wide variety of careers available right here in Fremont County and connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities!

06/05/2026

🏗️ Day 4: Build What Matters: Public Works & Infrastructure 🏗️

Today, students explored the careers, technology, and skilled trades that help build and maintain the infrastructure our communities rely on every day.

Our morning began at Langston Concrete in Florence, where students learned how concrete is produced and delivered for construction projects throughout the region. They watched as rock, sand, cement, water, and specialized additives were combined through an automated system that precisely controls the mixture to meet project specifications. Students learned that concrete production is much more than simply mixing materials. It requires engineering, technology, quality control, and careful planning to ensure the final product performs as intended.

After the concrete was loaded into the truck, students followed it to Centennial Park, where the City of Cañon City's Public Works Department had removed and prepared a section of sidewalk for replacement. There, they watched the concrete placement process and had the opportunity to get hands-on by helping smooth and finish the freshly poured sidewalk.

Also on-site was Vivid Engineering, a materials testing firm responsible for verifying that the concrete delivered meets the specifications required for the project. Students learned about the science behind concrete testing and observed how professionals measure air content, water content, temperature, and strength through a series of controlled tests. These quality assurance processes help ensure that public infrastructure is safe, durable, and built to last.

By the end of the morning, students had contributed to a real infrastructure project and can proudly say they helped build a small piece of Cañon City that community members will use for years to come.

In the afternoon, students visited 3 Rocks Engineering & Surveying at Centennial Park to learn about the critical role surveying plays in construction, land development, and infrastructure projects. Surveyors help determine property boundaries, collect elevation and location data, and provide the precise measurements needed before roads, buildings, utilities, and other projects can be designed and constructed.

Students learned how survey crews use advanced technology to locate property corners, gather field data, and create detailed digital maps and boundaries. They watched information being collected and displayed in real time through specialized software, demonstrating how technology has transformed the profession. Students also learned how surveying supports projects throughout our community, including ongoing work at the Cañon City High School construction site.

3 Rocks Engineering highlighted the many pathways into the industry, including opportunities for students to begin building skills in high school through CAD and drafting courses. Students learned that not all high-paying technical careers require a traditional four-year degree, and that industry certifications, on-the-job training, and technical education can provide alternative pathways into rewarding careers.

Today's experiences showcased the wide variety of careers involved in public works and infrastructure. Students saw firsthand how these industries work together to create and maintain the roads, sidewalks, buildings, and utilities that support our communities every day.

A huge thank you to Langston Concrete, Cañon City Public Works, Vivid Engineering, and 3 Rocks Engineering for investing their time, expertise, and resources into creating meaningful learning experiences for our students. We are incredibly grateful for business partners who help students connect classroom learning to real-world careers.

Tomorrow we wrap up an incredible week with our Outdoor Recreation & Tourism day!

06/03/2026

🌱 Day 3: Working the Land: Agriculture & Environmental Science 🌱

Today, students explored the science, technology, and careers that support agriculture and environmental stewardship right here in Fremont County!

Our morning began at Pathfinder Park, where Zero G Quail Farm brought their operation on-site to provide students with a hands-on learning experience while maintaining important biosecurity measures. Students learned about Coturnix quail, one of three quail species found in Colorado, and discovered that their incubation period is exactly 17 - 18 days. Because Coturnix hens typically do not sit on their eggs, successful hatching depends on carefully controlled artificial incubation.

Students rotated through learning stations where they examined eggs, learned about feeding and nutrition, weighed birds, and observed quail behavior. They also learned about the daily responsibilities involved in managing a successful agricultural operation and the science that supports animal health and production.

Next, students traveled to Ellen's Flowers, a local cut-flower production site specializing in flowers for bouquets, weddings, and special events. Students learned how flowers move from seed to finished product and explored the many business considerations involved in running a successful agricultural enterprise.

Joining us on-site was BOPA- Precision Agriculture, where students were introduced to the cutting-edge technology transforming modern agriculture. They learned about the robotics, programming, and precision agriculture systems used to identify and remove weeds, helping farmers improve efficiency while reducing inputs and environmental impact.

Students then got their hands dirty as they learned proper planting techniques for field production, including the process of hardening plants before they transition from the greenhouse to outdoor growing conditions. Working alongside industry professionals, students planted zinnias and cosmos while learning how science, technology, and environmental factors all play a role in successful crop production.

Today's experiences highlighted the wide variety of careers available within agriculture and environmental science—from animal production and horticulture to robotics, engineering, technology, and business management. Students saw firsthand how innovation and science continue to shape the future of agriculture.

A huge thank you to Zero G Quail Farms, Ellen's Flowers, and Barn Owl Precision Ag for sharing their expertise and creating meaningful hands-on learning opportunities for our students.

We're excited to continue the week tomorrow with Public Works & Infrastructure Day, where students will explore the essential systems and careers that keep our communities running every day. Stay tuned!

06/02/2026

🔨 Day 2: Forge Your Path: Trades & Manufacturing 🔨

Today, students got a firsthand look at the innovation, precision, and teamwork that drive the trades and manufacturing industries in Fremont County.

Our day began at Mytikas, where students learned about steel fabrication and the company's work building tiny homes. They saw how the Howick machine transforms large rolls of steel into precisely engineered steel framing components that can be assembled into complete structures. Students then rolled up their sleeves and worked together to assemble and screw together floor panels that will become part of two new yurts headed to Observer Ranch. It was a great opportunity to see how advanced manufacturing and skilled trades come together to create real-world products. During lunch, students had the opportunity to hear first hand from Pueblo Community College about the pathways available in Skilled Trades, helping students connect the hands-on experiences from the day to future training opportunities, certifications, and careers in the trades.

Next, students visited Legacy Metal Center, where they learned how customer orders move from initial request to final production. They explored the manufacturing process and saw how materials produced locally support other businesses, including Mytikas and Colorado Shed. Students gained valuable insight into the importance of communication, planning, and precision throughout the production cycle.

Our final stop was Colorado Shed Company, where students learned how quality control plays a critical role in every stage of fabrication. They explored the process of constructing a shed from the ground up and learned about key framing components such as studs, king studs, jack studs, and headers. Students then put their knowledge into practice by building their own framing assemblies before receiving a crash course in tape measure reading and measurement accuracy. To reinforce the importance of precision, students measured, marked, and drove nails according to a list of specifications, demonstrating how even small errors can impact the final product.

Throughout the day, students were introduced to the many career opportunities available in manufacturing, fabrication, construction, engineering, and skilled trades. More importantly, they saw how teamwork, attention to detail, problem-solving, and quality craftsmanship contribute to successful businesses and high-quality products.

We are incredibly thankful to Mytikas, Pueblo Community College, Legacy Metals, and Colorado Shed for not only opening their doors to our students, but for investing extra time and effort to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. The activities students participated in today helped bring these careers to life and showcased the talent, innovation, and opportunities available right here in our community.

06/02/2026

FMI Summer Institutes 2026

🍽️ Day 1: Catering to Your Future: Culinary Arts 🍽️

What a fantastic start to our Summer Institute week!

Students spent the day exploring the many career opportunities within the culinary, hospitality, tourism, and event industries while learning directly from local professionals.

Our morning began with a behind-the-scenes tour of Unbridled's properties, including Standard Oil Coffee Co., where students learned about the science behind pulling the perfect shot of espresso and watched a live latte-making demonstration. From there, they visited the historic Old Post Office, now transformed into a thriving event center, and Fremont Provisions to learn about the many moving parts that contribute to successful hospitality and food service operations.

Back at Hotel St. Cloud, students toured guest rooms, explored the importance of historical preservation, and learned how hotel kitchens function. They then put their creativity to the test in a mocktail challenge! Working in teams, students were tasked with creating an elegant mocktail before being surprised with a mystery ingredient: Pop Rocks, sour foaming candy, Nerds Gummy Clusters, pickle juice, or hot sauce. Using innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, each group developed a unique beverage. Congratulations to the Pop Rocks team, whose winning creation, Red Rocks, impressed the judges with its creativity and presentation!

After enjoying lunch at the hotel, students traveled to Pathfinder Park Event Center - Colorado, where Macy from the Farmstand in Penrose shared her journey as a small business owner and educated students on the art and science of sourdough baking. Students learned how each stage of the sourdough process impacts the final product before partnering up to mix, shape, and score their own loaves.

Throughout the day, students gained valuable insight into the diverse careers that support culinary arts, hospitality, event management, tourism, entrepreneurship, and food production.

Thank you to Hotel St. Cloud and Farm Stand in Penrose for helping provide such an incredible learning experience for our students.

We're excited to continue the week tomorrow with our trades & manufacturing day.

Stay tuned!

04/24/2026

So thankful to be able to support this great work in connecting students with industry partners and opportunity!

This event continues to grow each year, with 75 business partners showing up to invest their time and expertise in our students. We were especially excited to see 6 students from Cotopaxi School District in attendance, expanding access and participation across our region.

For many sophomores, this is their first step into the world of work-based learning. Students gain valuable interview practice, build confidence, and begin forming connections with local employers. At the same time, businesses get the chance to meet and engage with potential future interns as students prepare for internship placements in their junior year.

Events like this don’t happen without an incredible amount of coordination, planning and commitment. I’m deeply appreciative of everyone who plays a role in making this annual experience possible!

This is what it looks like when a community comes together to create meaningful opportunities for students!

Fremont Multi-District Initiative

07/20/2026

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