San Luis Valley Healthcare Pathways Partnership Meets All Goals

July 13, 2026

Partners are applying the same employer-driven approach to other high-demand careers

In just two years, the San Luis Valley Healthcare Pathways Partnership has met all goals:

  • 70 new Certified Nurse Assistants 
  • 60 new Medical Assistants 
  • 78 learners in paid healthcare internships
  • 50 earners upskilled


But we’re not resting on this success. Partners are already applying this collaborative, employer-driven approach to other critical workforce needs in the Valley. 


Dental Pre-Apprenticeship Pathway
The Attainment Network recently received a Youth Engagement Grant from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to launch a new Dental Pre-Apprenticeship Pathway in the Valley for youth ages 16–24.

In partnership with Valley-Wide Health Systems, Trinidad State College, SLV BOCES, the Boys & Girls Club,the SLV Area Health Education Center,  and other regional partners, the new pathway will combine career advising and navigation, hands-on skill development, work-based learning and employer mentorship to prepare young people for registered apprenticeships and entry-level dental careers.


The program will also put the partnership’s mobile healthcare learning lab to work, bringing career exploration and hands-on learning directly to rural schools and communities across the Valley.


Careers in Construction
The work isn’t stopping with healthcare. We are working with local employers and educators to create pathways to careers in construction, applying the same collaborative, employer-driven approach to another high-demand industry.


Together, these efforts represent the next step in building sustainable career pathways that connect local talent to high-demand careers, address rural workforce needs and create opportunities for learners and earners to build careers close to home.

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