PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Service members, Department of War civilians, families, and community members will come together July 16 at 8:30 a.m. for the second annual Forge the Force Fest. The Fest is a community-wide celebration designed to help participants step away from the daily grind, recharge, and reconnect with themselves, their teammates, and their families, building stronger connections and enhancing well-being and readiness.

This choose-your-own-adventure style event offers a unique blend of keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and family-friendly activities, creating a fun, learning, and meaningful environment.

This event will highlight keynote speakers such as retired NASA astronaut Brig. Gen. Andrew Morgan, the first Army Medical Corps officer to travel to space; Robert Irvine, world-class chef, author and philanthropic supporter of the military; and former Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger Towberman.

Throughout the day, participants will be able to engage in diverse programming designed to build practical life skills such as a live cooking demonstration, parenting tips workshop, yoga class, and financial workshops.

The event will also feature a helping agency fair, featuring both on-base and local community partners. From career support and veteran services to family programs and financial assistance, this fair will connect service members with the tools to thrive in and out of uniform.

Media representatives are invited to this innovative approach to military family wellness and support. Interview and b-roll opportunities will be available with SBD 1 leadership, providing authentic insights into military life, resilience strategies, and community support networks available in the Pikes Peak Region.

In order to register for access to the installation, media representatives interested in attending must RSVP to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil Please identify specific names, contact numbers, and emails for media professionals who plan to attend no later than 2 p.m. MST on July 14. Media who have RSVP’d should meet at the Peterson SFB West Gate Visitor Center located at 1334 Stewart Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80914, no later than 8:15 a.m. on the date of the event. From there media will be escorted via government vehicles on base. Due to current base security measures, media who have not RSVP’d will not be granted access.

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Job seekers can meet hiring managers, interview on-site, and explore careers that make a difference.

Colorado Springs, Colo. — Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) is inviting job seekers from across the Pikes Peak region to attend one of the largest school district hiring fairs in Southern Colorado on Friday, July 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Jenkins Middle School.

With the new school year quickly approaching, D11 is seeking passionate professionals who are ready to make an impact. Whether you're an experienced educator, a support professional, or exploring a new career in public education, District 11 offers meaningful opportunities for individuals who want to serve students and strengthen the Colorado Springs community.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Meet directly with hiring managers
• Explore career opportunities across the district
• Interview on-site
• Learn about district benefits and career pathways

Spanish interpreters will be available throughout the event to assist applicants.

District 11 is hiring for immediate openings in a variety of departments, including:

• Special Education (SPED)
• Transportation
• Facilities & Maintenance
• Food & Nutrition Services
• Administration
• Additional positions across the district

"Every role in our district plays an important part in helping students learn, grow, and succeed," said Jessica Wise, Director of Engagement for District 11. "Whether you're teaching in a classroom, preparing meals, maintaining our schools, driving a bus, or supporting operations behind the scenes, your work has a lasting impact on our community. We're excited to meet individuals who are passionate about making a difference and becoming part of the D11 family."

Why D11?

District 11 is committed to investing in its employees by providing a supportive workplace where people can build rewarding careers while making a positive impact on students every day.

Employees enjoy:

• Competitive, comprehensive benefits
• Bi-weekly pay
• Supportive leadership and collaborative teams
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• A forward-moving district that values its employees and community

Now is the time to build your future with a district that truly cares about its staff, students, and the Colorado Springs community.

Applicants who are unable to attend the hiring fair are encouraged to join the District 11 Talent Interest Pool. By joining, candidates can be matched with future career opportunities based on their qualifications and interests and will be among the first to receive registration information for upcoming hiring fairs.

Hiring Fair Details

What: Colorado Springs School District 11 All-Positions Hiring Fair

When: Friday, July 10, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Where: Jenkins Middle School 

              6410 Austin Bluffs Pkwy 80918

Who: Anyone interested in beginning or advancing a career with Colorado Springs School District 11

To view current openings, register for the hiring fair, or join the District 11 Talent Interest Pool, visit www.d11.org/tm

Media Opportunity

Members of the media are invited to attend the hiring fair to capture interviews, video, and photographs of prospective employees, district leaders, and hiring teams.