April 28, 2025
Written by CWDC Senior Consultant of Sector Partnerships & Industry Bobbie Wolfe and Fremont Economic Development Corporation Sector Partner Convener Diana Armstrong and Tech Business Recruiter Landon Mascareñaz.
In a significant step toward advancing economic mobility and access to high-quality workforce training, South Central Tech Sector Partnership has been named the official liaison between the tech industry and two of Colorado’s key community colleges: Pueblo Community College and Trinidad State. The announcement follows the U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) $65 million grant initiative, supporting 18 colleges across 14 states to drive workforce development in vital industries—such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, semiconductors and biotechnology.
Trinidad State College will receive $5.7 million to enhance and expand its advanced manufacturing program throughout the region. This initiative has been bolstered by the involvement of the South Central Tech Sector Partnership, a regional partnership managed by the Fremont Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) and supported by the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC),
For the past three years, South Central Tech’s convener role—bringing together leaders from industry, education, government, and workforce—has been vital in aligning regional goals and workforce needs. Now, with this new infusion of funding, their impact will stretch even further, reaching into Trinidad and Region 14, bringing new opportunities and resources to an area ripe for technological growth.
The USDOL Strengthening Community Colleges Grant ensures South Central Tech continues and sustains its work in technology and advanced manufacturing, while fostering cross-sector collaboration with fields like health and wellness and early childhood education.
What makes this movement truly unique is the focus on equity, community voice, and sustainable development. Through ongoing responsive dialogue with local stakeholders, South Central Tech ensures that educational programs and workforce strategies are built with—not just for—the communities they serve.
One of the most compelling examples of this grassroots innovation is the Emergent Campus, a tech hub originally launched in Florence, Colorado. Designed to connect rural talent with remote tech jobs and entrepreneurial support, this initiative has now expanded to Trinidad, broadening the region’s potential for high-paying, future-forward careers.
But this isn’t just about job creation—it’s about crafting an ecosystem where education, economic development, and industry grow together. South Central Tech’s ongoing collaboration with fields like health and wellness and early childhood education reflects a holistic approach to regional development, recognizing that thriving communities depend on more than just technical skills.
With continued support through 2029, the state is set for a rural tech renaissance—one that offers real choices, economic empowerment, and a connected future for southern Colorado.
Want to be part of the conversation? Contact Fremont Economic Development Corporation Sector Partner Convener Diana Armstrong.
Read more in the Colorado Sun coverage of this exciting movement.
*Please note that this blog post was edited using Google Gemini.