Fundamental Needs

Build and install off-grid water systems on the Navajo Reservation through an after school program. This project identifies households that lack running water and installs water systems that include water tanks, solar-powered water pumps, water heaters, and greywater gardens. Along with this, we are providing vocational training to local high school students at Rock Point Community School and Navajo preparatory School. Students are trained on the skills necessary to work with us on installing off-grid water systems for households in their community. Students are exposed to topics including plumbing, electrical/solar, agriculture, and financial literacy before receiving hands-on experience working in the field. After completing the initial curriculum, students have the opportunity to earn money installing off-grid water systems and greywater gardens for Fundamental Needs. This year we installed 50 (40 systems in Arizona and 10 systems in New Mexico) systems in families homes and helped 25 students build skills for future employment. Additionally, this program looks to schedule and deliver water to families and elders.

Fundamental Needs is piloting an Entrepreneurship Program in Cortez, CO, as a proof of concept before expanding it to other communities. The program teaches high school juniors and seniors the basics of starting and operating a business. Students will develop skills for success, including writing, speaking, and acting professionally, while being exposed to various companies and owners through mentorships, tours, and guest speakers. Each topic in the 15-week curriculum will be complemented by a year-long group project to build and launch a business the following semester. Upon completion of the first semester, students will be given the opportunity to pitch to investors who can help them realize their businesses and acquire seed funding. The program is set to launch in the spring semester of 2024 with the Southwest Open School (SWOS) in Cortez, Colorado. SWOS is an alternative school focused on helping at-risk students complete a high school education and providing pathways to future opportunities. In the Fall, we will expand the program to Montezuma Cortez High School and Dolores High school. To help ensure success, the University of Colorado Boulders Business School and Fort Lewis College are collaborating with us by providing access to resources and a professor on our advisory board. The advisory board will provide oversight, guidance, and support to our educators and students.