Feature image courtesy of Colorado Sun
Rural Colorado is experiencing a quiet tech revolution—and Emergent Campus is leading the charge.
In a recent interview with The Colorado Sun, Emergent Campus shared how it’s transforming historic schools in Florence and Trinidad into dynamic hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship. The article explores how these rural areas in Colorado are proving that meaningful, high-paying tech jobs don’t just belong in the big cities.
This blog post recaps the highlights of that feature—what’s happening, why it matters, and how it’s changing the future for rural Colorado. You’ll find the link to the full article at the end.
A Rural Tech Revival: What’s Happening
The success of Emergent Campus isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a tangible shift in how rural areas in Colorado are approaching workforce development, economic resilience, and innovation. From job creation to education pipelines, here’s how this model is bringing tech jobs to small towns and reshaping the future of rural Colorado:
Emergent Campus in Florence
Based in a former high school, this campus now houses 18 businesses and over 120 employees. It’s generating more than $13 million annually for the local economy while breathing new life into a small town.
Emergent Campus Tech Expansion in Trinidad
Backed by $9.4 million in grants, a second Trinidad campus opened in 2024 at a former middle school. With coworking space, startup support, and a creative work environment, it’s quickly becoming a southern Colorado innovation hub.
Education and Workforce Training
With the help of Trinidad State College and Pueblo Community College, the campus is offering pathways in robotics, cybersecurity, and software development—preparing the next generation for careers in tech.
Inspiring Local Talent
From internships and maker spaces to youth engagement programs, Emergent Campus is creating opportunities for people in rural areas of Colorado to build skills and stay local.
Be Part of the Future of Rural Colorado
The future of tech doesn’t belong to the cities alone. In rural Colorado, it’s already taking root.
Emergent Campus isn’t just renovating buildings—it’s reviving communities. By planting the seeds of innovation in towns like Florence and Trinidad, they’re showing the world what’s possible when rural areas are given the resources and vision to grow.
This is your invitation to watch it happen—and maybe even join the movement. If you’re an entrepreneur, student, educator, investor, or someone who believes in the untapped potential of small-town Colorado, there’s a place for you in this story.