Empowering rural youth to explore purpose
and act on it
Young people in Colorado’s rural communities are being left behind as the state’s economic opportunities continue to expand.
Our mission is to advance economic mobility by catalyzing high-quality, career pathways for rural youth.
Our approach
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Western slope school career collaborative
HGP leads the Western Slope Schools Career Collaborative, which connects students to certifications, work-based learning, and regional career pathways across four rural school districts.
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Spark Lab
A 15 hour, seven session entrepreneurship and career exploration program embedded in the school day. Students build, pitch, and receive funding for a real venture idea to their community.
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Youth Venture Fund
The Youth Venture Fund provides students with direct investment — $200 to $1,000 per student — to launch a real business, non-profit, or creative venture.
Over $50,000 invested in Youth Ventures during the 2025-26 academic year
After completing our in-school Spark Lab program, students from across four schools districts received micro-grant funding from our Youth Venture Fund to bring their ideas to life.
Their projects have ranged from student-led, small businesses and community organizations, to specialized internship opportunities, documentary films, and much more.
Leading a rural school district collaborative
In 2025, Homegrown Pathways took on leadership of the Western Slope Schools Career Collaborative, bringing career exploration, entrepreneurship, and workforce development under one roof.
Today, Homegrown Pathways serves students across Montrose, Delta, Ridgway, and Gunnison School Districts through school-embedded programming and career-connected community partnerships.
Students Finish Spark Lab ready to act
Student spotlight
How Neva Hines is redefining what’s possible in rural colorado
Neva knew that the limited opportunity in her small town was just a fact of life. Instead of accepting that, she built a path to something different.
After completing Spark Lab, and with support from the Youth Venture Fund, she created OriginJobs, a platform connecting students to jobs and internships. Doing so meant developing vital 21st century skills, presenting her work to statewide audiences, and stepping into a leadership position at the helm of her new venture.
“Before Spark Lab, I kind of viewed business as just a way to make money. Now I see it as a way to build community and solve problems.”
Her story reflects what happens when students are given the space to explore and the support to follow through.
Our Impact across Stakeholders
stella
“I learned a lot from this program. I learned how important it is to show up, how to properly speak in front of a crowd, how to turn my thoughts into action, and how big a support system I have. Spark Lab really opened up a lot of opportunities for me that I cannot wait to pursue.
Ridgway Secondary School Student
jack
“My idea became much more focused and connected as my idea evolved. My idea also went from being a small thought in the back of my mind to something that is actually possible to begin pursuing. It evolved into something that is actually attainable.”
North Fork High School Student
Amber Bray
“RC rarely speaks at school. While her work has always been excellent, prior to this class I had never heard her speak more than one sentence at a time. Listening to her two-minute pitch that showed excellent public speaking and persuasive communication skills was amazing. The durable skills she developed will help her in every aspect of her life.”
High School Teacher at Peak Academy
Russell Randolph
Ridgway Secondary School Principal
“I want every student who graduates from RSS to have completed Spark Lab.”
Caryn Gibson
Superintendent of Delta County School District
"This event changes lives."
Carlos
“I learned that there really are no boundaries on where my passions can take me. I never thought that the ideas I came up with could receive so much positive interest.”
Olathe High School Student
Emerging Tech Pathways
Homegrown Pathways manages a contract with Elevate Quantum — the nation's first federally funded quantum tech hub — to design a Rural Pathways Strategy connecting rural students and job seekers in Colorado and New Mexico to careers in emerging technology and advanced industries.
Working across two large rural regions, from the Western Slope to South Central Colorado and Northern New Mexico, we're building the tools, training, and networks that help rural communities access an emerging industry that too often bypasses them entirely.
Invest in the Next Generation
Support students as they explore ideas and find their next steps forward in their communities.
*NB: All images belong to Homegrown Pathways and were taken during direct programming.