Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: SWCEC or The Collaborative
Mailing Address: 1000 Rim Drive
City: Durango
State: CO
Postal Code: 81301
Main Phone: 9704265323
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.swcoedcollaborative.org/
Employer ID Number: 86-2475305
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/13/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Bridging the Rural Divide: Scaling Career Exploration for SW Colorado Youth
Project Description:

The Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative (SWCEC) requests $10,000 to scale our Work-Based Learning (WBL) programming, specifically targeting career exploration for middle and high school students across our seven-district service area. In our remote region, geographic isolation often limits a student’s vision of what is professionally possible. This project provides the tools to succeed by bridging the gap between rural classrooms and high-wage industries.

We aim to move students beyond theoretical learning into active career simulation and exploration through two primary delivery models:

Career Immersion Days: We will coordinate hands-on "Career Days" where students engage with professionals in Health Sciences, Building Trades, and Environment & Natural Resources fields. These sessions move beyond a simple lecture; students use industry-standard equipment to perform job-shadow tasks, demystifying the path from graduation to a career.

Regional Futures Fairs: We will host two marquee Futures Fairs—one in each of our primary service hubs—to ensure equitable access for all students. These fairs serve as a central marketplace for careers, allowing students to interface with over 70 regional employers, nonprofit partners, and post-secondary mentors in a single day.

Funding will directly cover the logistical barriers that often prevent rural participation, including student transportation, venue costs, event supplies, and hands-on demonstration materials. By the end of the 12-month grant period, 1000+ students will have participated in at least one high-impact exploration event.

As a collaborative, we maximize the Hermanowski Foundation’s investment by sharing resources across district lines. This grant provides the direct, tactile experiences that empower Southwest Colorado youth to visualize and reach their full potential.

Total Project Budget: 20,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): State grant & private foundation grant (potential)

Project Duration: 1 school year (2026-2027)
Geographical Area Served: Southwest Colorado (Counties: La Plata, San Juan, Dolores, Montezuma)
Age Group To Be Served: 13-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Patrick
Contact Last Name: Fredricks
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 9704265323
Contact Email: pfredricks@swcoedcollaborative.org