Education Briefs: CSU Pueblo to receive $3 million for online graduate education

James Bartolo, The Pueblo Chieftain
·2 min read

Colorado State University Pueblo will receive $3 million over five years from the U.S. Department of Education to develop online graduate programs.

The Project Exíto grant program at CSU Pueblo will be designed to increase access, support staff and course offerings for the university's online graduate programs. Currently, CSU Pueblo offers fully-online Doctorate of Education, Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Master of Principal Leadership, Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration degrees.

"We're going to expand our online course offerings and graduate programs to make it easier for people to access graduate programs — even if they are working adults and have busy lives," said Derek Lopez, associate vice president of operations and advancement at CSU Pueblo.

In addition to an expansion of course offerings within existing online graduate programs, there is a possibility for creation of new degree programs. However, the project is still in the early stages of planning. Project Exíto also will develop robust Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training through professional development of faculty and staff.

For more information about Project Exíto, Lopez can be reached at Derek.lopez@csupueblo.edu.

Pueblo County High School wins top award at Music and Blossom Festival in Canon City

Pueblo County High School was named the Sweepstakes Award winner of the 2023 Canon City Music and Blossom Festival held May 3-7.

Dubbed the "largest community run school music competition in the state," the Canon City Music and Blossom Festival gives the Sweepstakes Award to the school receiving the highest accumulation of points through participation in various competitions.

In addition to winning the Sweepstakes Award, the Hornets won first place in the Class 2A Jazz Competition, second place in the Class 2A Parade Competition and third place in the Class 2A Concert Competition. County students Amber Mills and Justyce Edmon-Minor received solo awards in concert band and jazz band, respectively.

South Mesa Elementary to continue shoe drive fundraiser through end of May

South Mesa Elementary School, 23701 Preston Road, is accepting new and gently-used shoes as part of its Community Shoe Drive fundraiser until May 31.

From boots to cleats, shoes of "any size" and "any kind" will be accepted, according to the South Mesa Elementary School website. South Mesa Elementary School will receive a check from Funds2Orgs to benefit student health and wellness. The amount of money received from South Mesa Elementary School will be based on the weight of shoes collected.

More information about Funds2Orgs can be found at funds2orgs.com. Pickup of shoes can be arranged by contacting Amanda Colletti at acolletti@district70.org or Kimberly McClure at kmcclure@district70.org.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Ed briefs: CSU Pueblo secures $3 million for online graduate programs