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Boys & Girls ClubsLittle Learners campaign seeks remaining $2.6M; city authorizes $50,000 match and backs REDI grant application
Summary
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley updated the council on an $8.8 million plan to build a 10-classroom early childhood center, said it has raised $6.2 million to date and requested city support; the council unanimously authorized a $50,000 matching challenge and approved a $100,000 REDI grant application.
Representatives of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley presented the Little Learners early childhood center capital campaign to the Alamosa City Council and won unanimous council support for a city match and a grant application.
Erin Miltonberger described the project as an $8.8 million plan for a state-of-the-art facility with 10 classrooms, 60 child slots and about 40 new jobs for teachers and administrators. She said the campaign has raised $6.2 million so farincluding $4.2 million in government grants and $750,000 from private foundationsleaving a funding gap of roughly $2.6 million. Individual giving reported at the meeting was $815,000. Miltonberger and partners said the project will include a workforce-training center to upskill early childhood educators and a budgeted starting wage of $18.60 per hour for new staff.
The presenters said Alamosa County and local employers are affected by the shortage of licensed childcare: an estimated 400 children in Alamosa County lack access to licensed early-childhood education, and the region's average cost of childcare was described as $9,000 to $12,000 per child annually. Presenters said only three in 10 children could access licensed care absent cost and transportation barriers, and only one in 10 infants/toddlers have access. Project advocates argued better access would increase workforce participation and economic stability.
Councilor Carson moved to authorize a mayor's challenge that would match up to $50,000 in local contributions; the motion passed unanimously. Council later approved Resolution No. 4-2025 to permit staff to apply for a $100,000 REDI grant on behalf of the project.
Miltonberger said Boys & Girls Clubs plan to close the remaining campaign gap with a combination of private donations and a loan; she said the organization is prepared to sign a loan to cover the shortfall if necessary. Councilors praised the project and urged community participation in fundraising.
Ending: Project leaders said they will continue outreach to secure private gifts and urged residents and businesses to consider donations of any size.
