Thriving learning ecosystems don’t happen without the deep commitments of learning providers dedicated to designing fun, engaging, and affordable programming for youth. At RESCHOOL, we recognize the immeasurable impact of out-of-school providers on kids’ and families’ lives, and that’s why we’ve invested over $250,000 (and counting) in providers across Colorado over the past few years. Contributing to healthy and thriving communities across racial and socioeconomic lines involves investing in the visions of locally rooted and community-championed organizations focused on conserving the knowledge and wisdom of deep local histories while propelling expansive futures of possibility into each child. We’d like to take a moment to highlight some of the great work happening in organizations across the Denver Metro area that we’ve been inspired by over the past few months who focused on precisely these visions – check them out below!
Colorado Youth Mariachi
This year, the Colorado Youth Mariachi Program celebrated its 6th Annual Noche de Mariachi where the talent and joy of over 60 mariachi students were showcased as they performed alongside their peers in front of their families, friends, and larger community. Rooting in the rich tradition of mariachi culture and music making, the Colorado Youth Mariachi Program has been offering classes to youth and students of all ages since 2019 and has quickly become a vital part of the local music fabric in Denver and beyond.
La Alma Jaguar Leadership Club
Jaguar Club is 13 years into the steadfast work of ensuring that youth in Denver have an opportunity to spend their summers exploring and uncovering their unique leadership styles within their communities. This year, Jaguar Club supported 60 Denver youth in developing leadership skills, team-building skills, and work experience so that they could visualize themselves as care-centered leaders in their communities. Learn more about their efforts via this recent post!
In Lak’ech Denver Arts
This summer, youth participating in In Lak’ech Denver Arts’ “Puppets in Westwood” summer program got to delve into creating handmade puppets, props, and backgrounds to retell different cultural stories. By blending youth programming with the expertise and wisdom of local artists, this program honored creativity and tradition proudly. From painting classes to folklórico programming and puppetry, In Lak’ech Denver Arts’ mission is to increase access to community-responsive arts education for 5th-12th graders who live in SW Denver in ways that mirror their culture and heritage back to them. Check out more of their work and keep up with them by following them on Facebook.
