Southern Ute tribal member, Faren Burch preps for the final exam, Tuesday, Feb. 14, as part of the ITF+ technology course being offered through Southern Ute Education.

The Education Department partnered with Pueblo Community College (PCC) in October 2022, to offer an Information Technology Fundamentals Certification (ITF+) to the Ignacio community. Kree Lopez is reviewing for the final exam, Tuesday, Feb. 14.

The Education Dept. hired Valerie Sanchez and Philman Lopez, SUSS employees, to facilitate the ITF+ course two evenings a week at the Education Center. Eight community members are enrolled in this course. Sanchez is seen instructing the final class, Tuesday, Feb. 14 in the computer lab.

Ocean hunter was one of eight students in the IT Fundamentals course offered by Southern Ute Education. PCC was awarded an Adult Learner Success grant, which launched the “Ute Adult Credential Program” for the Ute Mountain Ute and Ignacio communities. O.H. Perry Pepper IV, Director of Academic Services at PCC, and the Higher Education staff wanted to ensure this program was as local as possible.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum