Trinidad, Colo — The U.S. Department of Labor has announced $65 million in funding through the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants, with Southern Colorado receiving a transformative $5.75 million grant. This funding will empower a coalition of colleges, workforce agencies, non-profits, and employers to address critical regional workforce and economic needs by strengthening advanced manufacturing career pathways.
Trinidad State College will serve as the fiscal lead for this collaborative initiative, joined by key partners: Pueblo Community College, Emergent Campus, Fremont Economic Development Corporation, South Central and San Luis Valley BOCES, Colorado Education Initiative, Data Driven Economic Strategies, Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium, SkillsUSA, Upper Arkansas Council of Governments, and a host of employer partners from the manufacturing sector.
Trinidad State College and Pueblo Community College will expand program tracks in areas such as robotics, automation, welding, and construction, aligning workforce training with the demands of emerging industries such as clean and renewable energy, affordable housing, and transportation. These sectors are experiencing rapid growth due to significant state, regional and national priorities:
- Clean Energy Transition:
- Affordable Housing Innovation:
Robotics, automation, and repeatable processes are making construction more affordable.
- Transportation Infrastructure Growth:
Major projects like the Ports-to-Plains Corridor, a federal initiative to connect the U.S. heartland with Canada and Mexico, positions Southern Colorado as a key logistics and manufacturing hub. The planned I-27 corridor will intersect I-25 just south of Trinidad.
A cornerstone of the initiative is building stronger connections between education and industry. Emergent Campus, a rural business incubator with operations in Florence and Trinidad, will drive business growth in advanced manufacturing while offering students hands-on opportunities through internships and work-based learning programs. Key employer partners include VeroTouch (housing), Innovative Energy (solar), Stormant Designs (engineering), Barn Owl Precision Agriculture, and 3 Rocks Engineering. Emergent Campus has developed a proven model for bringing employers and high-wage jobs to rural communities, generating over 150 local jobs and additional remote work opportunities since 2019.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant, which brings greater strength and visibility to our region,” said Dr. Rhonda Epper, president of Trinidad State College. “This funding will enable a major upgrade to our advanced manufacturing training labs in both Trinidad and Alamosa, ensuring our students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Pueblo Community College president Dr. Chato Hazelbaker, echoed this enthusiasm, “PCC is proud to be a partner in this work to build a stronger manufacturing presence in Southern Colorado. The partners in this grant have a track record of working together, delivering strong outcomes for students and businesses.”
The grant funding will be distributed over a four-year period, beginning in March 2025 and continuing through February 2029.
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