Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Early Childhood Care topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local donors, city funds push Little Learners Academy toward completion
Summary
Presenters told the Alamosa City Council that the Little Learners Academy early-childhood center on the Boys & Girls Club campus has raised most of its capital and that construction is underway; organizers said about 25% of the project remains to be funded and that the Boys & Girls Club board has taken a mortgage to keep work moving.
Organizers of the Little Learners Academy told the Alamosa City Council that construction is underway and local fundraising must fill the remaining funding gap to complete the early-childhood center on the Boys & Girls Club campus.
At a council meeting presentation, Aaron, one of the project co-chairs, said the city provided $50,000 through a mayor’s challenge and that, counting matching funds, the campaign has raised “just under $35,000” for construction. Aaron said that equates to about $17,000 in matching funds raised to date and that the project still needs roughly 25% of total capital to be fully funded.
Why it matters: organizers told the council the project addresses a shortage of licensed child-care capacity in the San Luis Valley, and they urged local contributions to complete the facility so the community benefits locally rather than relying solely on outside foundations and state or federal grants.
Presenters said progress on the site is tangible: stem walls, foundations and piers are poured and the building “is going up.” The Boys & Girls Club board has taken a mortgage to ensure work continues while the fundraising gap is closed. The presenters described a community-focused fundraising approach, saying local donations and “stone soup” contributions from many smaller donors will finish the job.
Council members thanked the presenters and expressed support. Councilor Carson called the project “huge” for the community and encouraged continued momentum. Councilor Dominguez echoed appreciation for the leadership that has raised early funds and said the council would help promote the final push for contributions.
Presenters and councilors emphasized that completing the building will not eliminate broader child-care needs in the Valley but will add capacity and trained staff to serve local families. No formal council action or vote was requested at the meeting; the presentation was informational and focused on local fundraising and construction status.
Organizers identified additional opportunities for local donors and volunteers to support finishing work and programming once construction and staffing are complete. They asked residents and local organizations to consider small, local matching gifts to close the remaining funding gap.
