Pagosa Springs High School partnering with community organization to bring regional workforce center to life

Since its inception in 2017, Build Pagosa, a local nonprofit organization in Pagosa Springs, has been committed to addressing the skilled labor shortage in Southwest Colorado, while offering meaningful educational experiences to students at Pagosa Springs High School (PSHS). 

Local businesses in the region face significant challenges in finding skilled workers, and that limits economic growth and opportunities for community development. At the same time, many young people in the area lack access to the necessary training and resources to pursue careers in high-demand fields, so Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides a vital pathway that equips students with technical skills, industry connections, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

According to a December 4, 2024 story in the Pagosa Springs Sun, Build Pagosa is spearheading the creation of a regional workforce center to address these challenges, and it is being designed to support both PSHS students and the broader community. 

The newspaper reported that the center will serve as additional classroom space for the high school’s CTE programs, expanding hands-on learning opportunities in fields such as building trades, metal fabrication, health sciences, and culinary arts. The vision for the regional workforce center is to provide students with real-world skills and experiences that will help them transition into high-demand careers. 

“The [regional workforce center] is not just about offering more classes — it’s about providing our students with real-world skills, hands-on experiences and the confidence to step into high-demand careers,” PSHS Principal Sean O’Donnell told the Sun. “This facility will elevate our CTE programs to the next level and create opportunities that our students and community have never had before.”

Beyond the benefits it brings to high school students, the center will also serve as a hub for ongoing workforce training, partnering with colleges, training organizations, and other educational providers to ensure its use year-round.

Thanks to the support of numerous stakeholders, Build Pagosa has made significant progress in bringing this vision to life. The newspaper indicated that the organization has raised approximately $2.8 million for the project, a sum that reflects the dedication of various organizations and community members. It was reported that contributions include funding from the Boettcher Foundation and the Gates Family Foundation, both well-regarded for their support of educational initiatives in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs, in partnership with the Town of Pagosa Springs, provided a $600,000 grant, and a Congressionally Directed Spending grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture contributed $1 million.

The Archuleta School District has provided the land situated near the high school for the regional workforce center, and the proximity is intended to ensure seamless integration with existing CTE programs while providing easy access for students, educators, and community partners. The collaborative effort between public, private, and educational organizations has been instrumental in the project’s success and has created a strong foundation for its future.

The newspaper indicated Build Pagosa is excited to break ground on the regional workforce center in the summer of 2025, and it is believed the center will serve as a powerful resource for both students and the community, enabling them to develop the skills necessary for success in an evolving economy.