Local non-profits share how what they do reverberates throughout Summit County
This article first appeared in the Summit Daily News. By Molly Griffith, Summit School District pre-collegiate coordinator.
In an ever-changing global community, educators constantly try to stay ahead of the curve while preparing students to be productive citizens of society. A high school diploma is now necessary to apply for the most basic of jobs, and a college degree opens the door to many more opportunities in the workforce.
In 2008, concerned members of Summit County observed a need to support a growing population of first-generation students. These students were not applying for scholarships, were not continuing their education beyond high school, and some were not able to complete high school requirements.
With the support of Vail Resorts Echo, Colorado Mountain College, the University of Colorado-Boulder, and several private contributors, the Summit Pre-Collegiate Program was created. We strive to connect first-generation students in Summit School District with positive adult role models; provide them with opportunities to visit college campuses and leadership conferences; and enhance their vision for their futures.
Through tutoring, mentoring, career counseling and academic support, pre-collegiate students build the study and life skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond.
Summit High School senior Dani Urruita plans to become a certified interpreter after graduation this month.
“Pre-collegiate made me realize the studying needed to pursue my main goal in life,” he said. Classmate Nira Martinez agrees.
“Pre-collegiate helped me get the knowledge I needed to go to college, and prepared me to do everything to apply for scholarships and colleges.”
Martinez plans to attend CMC in the fall in pursuit of a career as a dental hygienist.
Thanks to the support of Vail Resorts Echo and the Summit County community, the Summit Pre-Collegiate Program will continue to grow and thrive in our Summit schools. This spring, 23 Pre-Collegiate students received over 70 scholarships through the generosity of local organizations on local scholarship night. Twenty-eight pre-collegiate students from the class of 2012 will begin their college careers this fall. Several of these youth are the first in their families to finish high school, positively impacting future generations of peers and family members. Best wishes to these students as they achieve their goals and give back to our Summit community!
Vail Resorts Echo aims to connect our communities to our efforts — from on-the-ground conservation programs to grants for local schools. Vail Resorts Echo encompasses three core efforts: environmental stewardship, charitable giving and community engagement. Learn more about VR Echo at www.vailresortsecho.com