Since 2017, the local nonprofit organization Build Pagosa has been supporting fun, meaningful educational experiences for Pagosa Springs High School (PSHS) students while addressing the skilled labor shortage in Pagosa Springs and Southwest Colorado.
Local businesses face ongoing challenges in finding skilled workers to meet their needs, which hampers economic growth and limits opportunities for community development.
At the same time, many young people in our region lack access to the training and resources needed to pursue fulfilling careers in high-demand fields, making career and technical education (CTE) a vital pathway to equip students with technical skills, industry connections and an entrepreneurial spirit.
In response to these challenges, Build Pagosa is spearheading the creation of a regional workforce center.
The regional workforce center will serve as a transformative resource for PSHS and the broader community.
Designed as additional classroom space for the high school’s CTE programs, the center will strengthen PSHS’s offering of hands-on learning opportunities in fields such as building trades, metal fabrication, automotive, health sciences, culinary, agriculture and more.
Beyond high school, the facility will also serve as a hub for the greater community, including colleges, workforce training organizations, public utilities and other educational providers, ensuring year-round use and broader impact.
Thanks to the incredible support of many stakeholders, we have made significant progress toward bringing this vision to life. We are thrilled to announce we have raised approximately $2.8 million in funding for the project. Notable contributions include generous funding most recently from the El Pomar Foundation, and previously from the King Family Foundation, Boettcher Foundation and Gates Family Foundation. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs, in partnership with the Town of Pagosa Springs, has provided a $600,000 grant. Additionally, a Congressionally Directed Spending grant, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has contributed $1 million.
Finally, the many private donations from generous community members make up the rest of the $2.8 million. This highlights the grassroots support that has been vital to our progress. The success of this project would not have been possible without this incredible community support.
As we look ahead, Build Pagosa is thrilled to be planning to break ground on this much-anticipated project by spring of next year.
The regional workforce center is more than just a building; it’s a vision for a stronger, more resilient Pagosa Springs where students and community members build the tools to grow with our changing economy.
If you’re interested in learning more about Build Pagosa, the new regional workforce center facility, and connecting with the community of CTE supporters, you’re invited to our annual auction on Friday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m.
Located at the Ross Aragon Community Center, this event will include a full catered BBQ dinner and drinks, both a live and silent auction, music provided by Americana students and fun. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Check out our ad in this Pagosa SUN and PREVIEW, or visit Events at BuildPagosa.org. We can also be reached at director@buildpagosa.org. We hope to see you there.
