Summer Institutes Connect Cortez Students with Career Training | LOR Foundation
Complete Economy

Summer Institutes Connect Cortez Students with Career Training

  • Local Champion: Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative
  • Date Funded: February 27, 2025
  • Grant Amount: $6,750

When the Montezuma-Cortez School District decided not to renew its membership with the Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative, local high school students faced losing access to valuable summer institutes that provide hands-on career training in construction, health care, and environmental fields. After seeing how these programs had already transformed students’ educational paths, one staff member with the collaborative came up with an idea to maintain access for Cortez students. LOR’s funding helped cover the participation fees for 15 Cortez High School students to attend the summer institutes, ensuring Cortez students could still learn about and prepare for in-demand careers.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Onward! A Legacy Foundation.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
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