Image: Artist rendering of proposed Build Pagosa training center.
Since 2017, the local non-profit 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.
Build Pagosa is thrilled to be planning to break ground on this much-anticipated project in the summer of 2025. 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.
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, health sciences, culinary and more. Beyond high school, the facility will also serve as a hub for community actors, including colleges, workforce training organizations 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 that we have raised approximately $2.8 million in funding for the project. This total reflects the commitment of multiple organizations and individuals who share our passion for fostering education and workforce development in our region. Notable contributions include generous contributions from the Boettcher Foundation and the Gates Family Foundation — two organizations renowned for their commitment to supporting educational initiatives in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs, in partnership with the Town of Pagosa Springs, has provided a $600,000 grant, further underscoring the importance of this project to our community.
Additionally, a Congressionally Directed Spending grant, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has contributed $1 million, reflecting the recognition of our project’s value at the federal level.
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.
In addition to this impressive financial backing, Archuleta School District has provided a crucial piece of the puzzle: the use of land for the regional workforce center, near the high school campus. This proximity ensures seamless integration with existing CTE programs while offering accessibility to students, educators and community partners.
As we approach the end of the year, we ask for your support. Please consider donating to Build Pagosa through the Colorado Gives Foundation at coloradogives.org/organization/Build-Pagosa.
Your contribution will help us bring the workforce center to life and provide much-needed opportunities for students and adults in our community.
To learn more, visit BuildPagosa.org or contact us at (970) 398-5815 or email director@buildpagosa.org