Project Rural Upskill Network (RUN) connects employers, educators, and workforce partners to deliver practical, employer-driven training that strengthens Southwest Colorado’s workforce. Our trainings are designed around real, local, industry needs, helping businesses build capacity while creating new opportunities for adult learners.
New trainings are developed in partnership with employers as workforce demands change. To learn more about providing a training to your staff, contact Libby Baumchen, libby@yeslpc.com.
Over the past three years, Project RUN deployed $1.25 million of Opportunity Now Grant funding into Southwest Colorado’s economy to strengthen our local workforce. The program delivered 10 micro-credential trainings, awarded 216 industry-recognized certificates, and helped nearly one-third of participants earn a raise or promotion. The Project RUN Impact Report explores how this investment is creating long-term economic opportunity through workforce development, regional partnerships, and a sustainable framework designed to meet the evolving needs of Southwest Colorado. Read the full report to learn more.
The Alliance Internship Fund, provided through Project RUN, helps local employers create paid internship opportunities for the region’s emerging workforce. By supporting hands-on work experience and professional development, the program strengthens talent pipelines and connects students and early-career professionals to meaningful opportunities in La Plata County.
The program supports internships for college students and other post-secondary learners, including Fort Lewis College students, community college students, and similar candidates preparing to enter the workforce.
Applications are currently closed. For questions or additional information, contact Libby@yeslpc.com
Healthcare is one of the most in-demand and rewarding industries in our region. No matter what healthcare career interests you—dental, nursing, technician, administration, or patient services—the opportunities are broad and growing.
Through the Healthcare Workforce Pipeline (HWP), administered by the La Plata Economic Alliance and Project RUN in partnership with Axis Health System, we’re helping expand access to careers in healthcare. Through this work we have been able to provide:
As of July 2026, we have supported 234 individuals and contributed to 80 local job placements.
Project RUN delivers high-caliber, employer-driven trainings designed to help businesses grow stronger teams and help professionals build in-demand skills. Since 2023, the program has offered 12 micro-credential trainings and awarded 216 micro-certificates, creating measurable career growth for participants and lasting value for employers.
Fundamentals of Leadership & Management 1: People is six week training designed to build the leadership capacity that a strong regional workforce depends on. This training is led by professional leadership coaches, the training helps participants clarify their leadership style, communicate with intention, support team accountability, and navigate workplace dynamics. This popular class has been delivered 4 different times across 4 rural cohorts.
Fundamentals of Leadership & Management 1: People will be hosted in Winter 2027.
Fundamentals of Leadership & Management 2: Strategy is an eight week training designed for those currently in leadership roles. Learners reflect on their role as a strategic leader, connecting it to organizational planning (mission, vision, values, culture), master strategic management tools like budgets, feedback, goals, and communication, and apply them in the workplace. Also taught by professional leadership coaches, this class was delivered 3 different times and reached 3 rural cohorts.
Fundamentals of Leadership & Management 2: Strategy will be hosted in Spring 2027.
Fundamentals of Water Operation is a hands-on training on built the foundation necessary to launch a career as a water operator. With daily field trips to water facilities, participants learned directly from licensed operators and receive mentorship and career support. This training celebrated 23 graduates and has been offered one time in May 2026. This training is now provided by Fort Lewis College @Work.
In partnership with the Early Childhood Council (ECC) of La Plata County, the Early Childhood Educator Business and Leadership training hosted 17 learners and focused on four core competencies essential for managing a successful center. Participants gain skills in financial management, fundraising, human resources, and healthy workplace culture. This training has been offered one-time in June 2026 and is now hosted by the ECC of La Plata County.
Our Productivity and AI training covered essential skills for the modern workplace over six weeks. Participants gained skills with productivity tools, data literacy, AI prompting and safety, automation, and data visualization. This training has been offered one time in the spring of 2025.
Over six-weeks, Essential Tech & Workplace Skills introduced essential technology skills to learners. Topics covered included technology basics, privacy and safety, communication etiquette, time management tools, and google workspace. This training provided free childcare, dinner, and free laptop rentals to participants and has been offered one time in the spring of 2025.
