SOUTHWEST COLORADO EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE Claire Albert

Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative is where community meets opportunity, uniting educators, colleges, and industry partners in a powerful mission to uplift the future of our region’s students. Since 2019, we’ve brought together the strengths of eight diverse school districts—Archuleta, Bayfield, Durango, Ignacio, and Silverton—alongside Pueblo Community College and Fort Lewis College to build a stronger, more connected educational landscape. We believe that every student, no matter their background or zip code, deserves clear and attainable pathways to college, careers, and lifelong success.

We don’t just build programs—we build futures. Our collaborative model creates space for innovation, where culturally relevant learning, dual-credit courses, and hands-on career training give students the confidence and tools to thrive. By aligning education with workforce needs and fostering meaningful partnerships, we help prepare students for the real world while supporting the region’s economic vitality. At the heart of it all is a shared commitment: empowering the next generation through equity, excellence, and opportunity.