When rural communities thrive, Colorado thrives. Over the past year, Emergent Campus has proven that with the right partnerships, programs, and investment, rural towns can lead the way in shaping the state’s workforce. The Year One Opportunity Now Annual Report highlights just how far we’ve come—and where we’re headed next.
A Strong Start: Year One Highlights
In July 2024, Emergent Campus launched into its first year of the Opportunity Now grant with a bold mission: connect rural talent to meaningful opportunities in technology, business, and entrepreneurship. The results speak for themselves:
- 44 new jobs created
- 46 interns placed in local businesses
- 10 new programs launched
- 20 coworking members and 10 new tenants added
- 72 program participants engaged
These numbers represent more than statistics—they reflect real lives impacted and futures being built in Florence, Trinidad, and beyond.
Building Pathways for Rural Talent
Year One marked a turning point for rural learners, with new programs offering real-world experiences in software, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. Through internships, mentorships, and job shadowing, students and jobseekers gained access to opportunities that once felt far beyond reach in small communities.
At the center of this effort was the Emergent Campus Professional Development Program, which provided personalized support through resume coaching, interview prep, job coaching, and networking connections. Beyond this core offering, several specialized initiatives created even more targeted pathways:
- Women in Tech Network: fostering mentorship and connection for women pursuing careers in technology.
- South Central Success Syndicate: a peer-driven cohort supporting emerging entrepreneurs with resources, collaboration, and accountability.
- ACI Learning Cohort: preparing participants for industry-recognized certifications like A+ IT.
- Skills-Based Training & Certificates: equipping learners with credentials that translate directly to workforce readiness.
More than 75 participants engaged in these programs during Year One, with many returning for multiple offerings. This growing demand reflects not just interest, but a cultural shift toward continuous learning and professional growth across Southern Colorado.
Partnerships Driving Impact
None of this would have been possible without strong partnerships across education, business, and government. Collaborations with local schools ensured students had access to real-world training that aligns with today’s workforce needs.
Our partnerships:
- Canon City Schools
- Fremont RE-1
- Fremont RE-2
- Trinidad School District #1
- Pueblo Community College
- Trinidad State College
Local organizations like FEDC, Second-61, and the South Central Tech Sector Partnership provided additional support, helping close the opportunity gap across Southern Colorado. Together, these alliances are proving that rural communities succeed when they stand united.
National Recognition and Federal Investment
Emergent Campus’s work has caught the attention of national leaders. A major milestone in Year One was the award of a $5.75 million U.S. Department of Labor grant through the Strengthening Community Colleges Training program. This funding will expand training in advanced manufacturing, creating even more career pathways in high-demand fields.
Goals for Year Two
Year Two is about building on this momentum. Emergent Campus will:
- Expand internships and apprenticeships across industries
- Scale training programs in advanced manufacturing
- Deepen collaboration with employers and schools
- Increase access to upskilling and short-term training for workers
- Expand partnerships with employers to grow the network of hiring partners
The vision is clear: grow local capacity, strengthen rural talent pipelines, and ensure communities can thrive for generations to come.
A Movement, Not Just a Hub
Emergent Campus has shown that rural doesn’t mean behind—it means ready, resilient, and full of potential. With the foundation laid in Year One, Year Two promises even more innovation, opportunity, and growth.
To learn more about the programs, partners, and impact, visit Emergent Campus.
