In today’s rapidly evolving economy, the path to a successful career does not always begin with a four-year degree. Here in Pagosa Springs, career and technical education (CTE) is reclaiming its place as a cornerstone of the high school experience.
CTE is a rigorous, hands-on educational model that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational skills. It provides students with a direct bridge to the workforce, offering industry-recognized certifications and real-world experience.
We are proud to offer a diverse range of career pathways, including hospitality, catering and culinary arts; building trades; agriculture, food and natural resources; computer science; transportation, automotive and fabrication; and health sciences. As these programs continue to grow, local nonprofit Build Pagosa — which works in partnership with the school district — is preparing for its most important night of the year: the 2026 Annual Dinner and Auction on April 17.
The primary goal of the upcoming auction is to raise the vital funds necessary to support student and teacher programming throughout the year. While the school district provides the foundation, Build Pagosa steps in to help meet any additional needs. Proceeds from the event go directly toward:
- Advanced tooling and materials: Ensuring students work with the same equipment they will find on a professional jobsite.
- Curriculum support: Funding industry-aligned materials that keep pace with modern technology.
- Teacher resources: Supporting the educators who bring decades of trade experience into the classroom.
By funding these immediate needs, Build Pagosa ensures that every student has the resources to turn a spark of interest into a career.
While the April fundraiser focuses on the current school year’s needs, local support also bolsters the momentum for Build Pagosa’s long-term vision: the regional workforce center (RWC). Funded through donations and grants, the RWC represents a community-driven investment in the future. With architectural planning now underway, the RWC aims to solve a growing problem: the CTE programs have become so popular they are running out of space.
Once realized, this facility will serve as a regional workforce development hub — providing a space for student learning during the day and continuing education opportunities on the evenings and weekends.
The annual dinner and auction at the Ross Aragon Community Center is the community’s chance to see what our local students have been up to.
The event features both live and silent auctions showcasing student-built projects. The event will be at 5:30pm on April 17. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door.
By attending, community members aren’t just buying a ticket to a dinner; they are investing in a student’s future career and bolstering our local economy.
For tickets and more information, visit www.buildpagosa.org or email director@buildpagosa.org.