By Alissa Johnson
Last Friday, May 16, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) along with La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Fort Lewis College, and The Attainment Network hosted a Regional Talent Summit at Fort Lewis College to convene industry and community leaders, discuss much needed career pathway solutions and begin developing tactical workforce plans to ensure that Colorado workers develop the skills employers need.
“As a state, we are doubling down on workforce development to connect Coloradans to good-paying jobs while supporting regional economic development goals. Today’s Regional Talent Summit will result in a tactical action plan developed by community and business leaders to meet the region’s unique goals and needs,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.
The summit focused on the agriculture, healthcare and technology industries in Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, Saguache, and San Juan counties.
“At the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, we’ve seen firsthand how strategic collaboration and leveraging partnerships can move the needle on workforce challenges. I’m proud to host this summit with Fort Lewis College and The Attainment Network, and to be part of OEDIT’s statewide effort that centers local voices and real solutions,” said Sarah Tober, Executive Director of La Plata Economic Development Alliance.
The event was one of seven Regional Talent Summits taking place across the state. Established by HB24-1365, these summits build on the impact of the Opportunity Now grant program which has, to date, distributed nearly $90 million to 89 grant recipients to launch and expand innovative talent development programs across the state.
The San Juan and San Luis Valleys have received $5.6 million in Opportunity Now grants from OEDIT to:
Build Pagosa Inc. – $49,900 – The Regional Workforce Center for Career and Technical Education and Workforce Training involves industry partners to match residents with living-wage careers throughout their life stages.The program focuses on construction, transportation, and automotive careers, architecture and engineering occupations, farming and forestry, healthcare, culinary, recreation, and computer jobs.
Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center/Axis Health System – $1,289,584 – The Healthcare Education Access Launchpad Southwest has developed an innovative rural work-based learning program led by Axis with a consortium of industry, education, and tribal partners in southwest Colorado to address the healthcare workforce shortage.
La Plata County Economic Development Alliance – $1,245,984.95 – The Rural Upskill Network “Project RUN” will provide adult learners with skills education to support entrepreneurs, including leadership and technical expertise professional certificates.
The Attainment Network – $3,024,849 – To establish an education-to-workforce partnership, including four healthcare providers, two higher education institutions, 14 school districts and three community organizations across the San Luis Valley. The partnership focuses on training through work-based learning to grow the nursing workforce.
Grant recipients from Adams State University, Axis Health System, Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley, Fort Lewis College, La Plata Economic Development Alliance, Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative and The Attainment Network participated in today’s summit.
“Thoughtful collaboration is the best way to provide solutions to our most pressing needs, and today’s Regional Talent Summit brings together leaders from businesses and communities across rural Colorado. I look forward to the tactical action plan that results and working alongside business, education and community leaders to connect more Coloradans to good jobs,” said Assistant Minority Leader Cleave Simpson.
Alissa Johnson is Senior Communications Manager with OEDIT.