Community Connections
Strategic Plan 2025-30

Community mentorship & service

Grow a culture of service and engage a community of mentors that elevates the student experience and benefits community partners and Tribal Nations.

1. Expand experiential and place-based learning opportunities that provide connections and value to the community and support career pathways and skill development (see Academics).
2. Increase formalized alumni engagement to facilitate opportunities that foster meaningful connections and build social capital for students.
3. Expand community service opportunities with local/regional businesses, nonprofits, and Tribal Nations.

Campus & community engagement

Develop and strengthen partnerships and reciprocal relationships with community and Tribal Nations.

1. Strengthen campus/town relations to ensure students feel welcome in the broader Durango community and that FLC welcomes residents and visitors.
2. Be a local, statewide, and national convener for social, cultural, and academic events.
3. Serve as a responsive partner to local, tribal, and regional community needs through applied research and creating a community bridging center.
4. Grow collaborative relationships between the Office of Advancement and campus partners to attract philanthropic support, directly supporting FLC’s top initiatives.

Workforce

Co-create a dynamic workforce to address regional needs and advance economic mobility.

1. Develop training through FLC@Work that equips individuals with in-demand skills for individuals across the learning continuum.
2. Offer workforce programs in collaboration with Tribal Nations and community partners that assess skill gaps, align with local labor market data, and directly address needs.
3. Partner with local industry and Tribal Nations to offer experiential learning opportunities that benefit employers and students.
4. Explore the feasibility of redesigning, relaunching, and taking ownership of the Continuing Education program so that it can offer broad and diverse courses to community members.