We’re evolving school-to-work systems across Colorado
sign up for UPDATES
REGISTER FOR The 2025 L/EARNER VOICE SYMPOSIUM
October 2 2025 @ 9:00 A.M.
Join us on Oct. 2 from 9 to 11 a.m. for the 2025 L/Earner Voice Symposium – a free, virtual event where learners and earners share insights into how they are navigating career exploration, postsecondary transitions, and job preparation in today’s evolving economy.
News and Updates
The Attainment Network was founded on a simple belief: partnership drives progress . Even so, we are amazed by what the San Luis Valley Career-Connected Partnership has accomplished in just one year. Last week we gathered in Alamosa at Trinidad State College – Valley Campus with all of our partners to celebrate our accomplishments over the last year. Our colleagues from Adams State University, Trinidad State College, San Luis Valley Health, Valley Wide Health Systems, Boys & Girls Club, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and many others heard firsthand from learners and earners whose education and career journeys are being transformed through this collaboration. Meet a few of those learners and earners: Sunny Garcia – mother of a five-week-old infant – received support for books and nursing supplies while attending Adams State University to obtain her bachelor of science degree in nursing. She now works as a registered nurse at San Luis Valley Health and plans to start a doctorate program in nursing this fall. Nicole Peyer faced a major setback when her car broke down during her first semester in the nursing program at Adams State University. With help from partners, she secured reliable transportation to continue school and work. Today, she holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is working as a registered nurse in the Medical/Surgical unit at San Luis Valley Health. Ronny Herrera , a father of two, received resources and support from partners while completing a master’s degree in clinical mental health. He plans to serve the youth in the Valley as a mental health counselor. These stories are powerful, but they represent just a fraction of what this partnership has achieved. In its first year, the collaboration has: Expanded CNA and Medical Assistant training programs into 13 of the 14 school districts in the valley , with 9 of those offering full, standalone programs. Empowered more than 24 students with hands-on experience through internships, training in the mobile lab, and other work-based learning programs. Equipped 73 learners with an industry-recognized credential Supported 15 adult learners in advancing their education – 6 of whom have already graduated from their programs. And the momentum continues! A mobile lab donated by SLV Health will travel the Valley this fall, giving students insight into careers in healthcare and other high-value careers as well as providing CNA and MA students with access to a clinic for hands-on training. And thanks to virtual reality headsets from Transfr – donated by the LOR Foundation and the Colorado Department of Housing and Finance – students across the valley can explore healthcare and other in-demand careers right in their own classrooms. What the San Luis Valley Career-Connected Partnership has accomplished is the future of rural workforce development. This framework for cross-sector collaboration can be used to meet critical workforce needs across rural Colorado – and that’s exactly what you’ll see in the future.
Dr. Sarah Heath on elevating learner voice and expanding early access to careers
We’re energized by the growing momentum across Colorado to create meaningful opportunities for learners and earners to step into high-value, in-demand careers. The Attainment Network team will be on the move this month – connecting with partners across the state, celebrating the progress we’re making together, and enjoying the mountains and the wildflowers during this beautiful season. 🗓️ Tuesday, July 15 🔹 SLV All Partners Meeting – San Luis Valley 🎉 The Attainment Network Team is celebrating one year of partnership in the San Luis Valley with a panel of learners and earners sharing their experiences. Join us and check out the virtual reality headsets that are bringing career exploration activities to rural students and the mobile health clinic we’re using for CNA and MA training! 🔹 Tech Talent Partnership – Education Task Force – Denver 💡 Exploring collaborative strategies to grow Colorado’s tech talent pipeline. 🗓️ July 21–23 🔹 Badge Summit – CU Boulder Stefan is participating in this national convening on the future of digital credentials in K–12, higher ed, industry, and more. 🗓️ Tuesday, July 29 🔹 Behavioral Health Sector Partnership Action Group Meeting – Online Michelle is excited to collaborate on solutions to strengthen behavioral health career pathways across Colorado.
APPRENTICESHIP FOR ALL
Creating a workforce that embodies diversity isn’t just aspirational—it’s essential. We can lead employers and other sponsors through the steps to design apprenticeships with inclusivity at their core.
Meeting Healthcare workforce needs and expanding hope and opportunity for learners
Beneath the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges, the communities in the San Luis Valley are grappling with some of the state’s highest poverty rates and an economy constrained by a critical shortage of skilled workers.
With more than 20 percent of the population in some Valley communities living below the federal poverty level, there is a pervasive sense of “generational hopelessness” among the local youth, according to longtime resident Rachael Cheslock.
