Applications due April 1
Rising ninth- and 10th-graders in north-central Colorado can attend the free First Ascent Youth Leadership program this summer at Colorado Mountain College’s campus in Leadville.
Now in its 19th year, this program offers students a chance to learn leadership skills in a residential, outdoor college setting, then return to counsel other students in future years. The program will run from Sunday, June 23, through Friday, June 28.
First Ascent teaches leadership, problem solving, consensus building, conflict resolution and communication. Students build self-esteem through new challenges such as rock climbing, summiting Mt. Elbert and rafting the Arkansas River.
Each year, the program accepts 30 students who show potential to be leaders and successful students. Applications are due April 1, and are available through high school counselors or online at coloradomtn.edu/firstascent. For more information, contact program director Paul Edwards at 970-947-8329 or pedwards@coloradomtn.edu.
Colorado Mountain College’s First Ascent is available to students living in eight counties: Chaffee, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Lake, Pitkin, Routt and Summit. Students travel to Leadville, where they live in residential halls and participate at no cost. The program is funded largely through generous donations from community members, with some grant and college support, so that students can benefit personally, and in turn use their new skills to benefit their communities.