The Southwest Colorado

Education Collaborative

The Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative strengthens diverse communities by providing pathways in career readiness and higher education for students to build 21st-century skills and economically viable futures.

 

We are a nonprofit bridging education and industry, creating pathways to meaningful careers and a stronger workforce in rural Colorado.

 
 

Our Story

The Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative was formed by teachers and school administrators who wanted to offer students in rural areas the same opportunities that are provided to those in metro areas. Through a dynamic partnership with Pueblo Community College, Fort Lewis College, and regional industries, the Collaborative is setting out to create seamless pathways for students in Southwest Colorado school districts to achieve meaningful careers.

 
 

Our Vision and Values

Bringing students’ futures to life—strengthening pathways, one partner at a time.

  1. Student Focused Empowering: Putting students furthest from opportunities at the center, providing them with tools, experiences, and opportunities to lead their own futures.

  2. Abundant Partnerships: Cultivating a vision for shared educational and industry resources.

  3. Adaptable Solutions: Approaching educational and industry challenges through curiosity and creativity.

  4. Community Driven: Strengthening our region through purposeful connections.

  5. Collective Integrity: Fostering trust through transparent communication and mission integrity to serve our region.

 

What We Offer

The Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative serves as the , strengthening pathways through collaboration and innovation. Our services are designed to empower, support and expand capacity to our partner schools and businesses through

  • Enhanced Educational Work-Based Learning Opportunities including Job Shadows and Summer Institutes, and support of shared course development and expansion

  • Industry Grade Equipment and Technology Access through the My Turn Library and Mobile Learning Labs

  • Internship and Apprenticeship Integration by facilitating direct pipeline connections through Career Launch Southwest and Industry Fairs

  • Professional Development for partners across the continuum including equipment training for students and teachers

  • Pathway Development and Management to align industry trends and skills with career readiness programs