Quarterly News and Updates | |
The African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) wants to stay connected with you! Enjoy interesting facts, educational information, highlights and upcoming events. Have a question or comment? Please contact us at info@aaylc-co.org. | | |
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Embracing diversity in schools and workplaces has been shown to increase creativity, foster innovation, and improve problem-solving skills. When individuals from different backgrounds collaborate, they bring unique perspectives that lead to more dynamic and inclusive solutions! | |
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Executive Director's Corner
As both a parent and grandparent, I know firsthand the importance of nurturing the unique potential within each of our children. At the AAYLC, we are driven by the belief that culture and diversity are powerful tools that help shape not only our students but also the communities they are part of. Every program we offer is designed to empower young minds to embrace their identities, explore their talents, and lead with confidence and purpose.
Our connection to the community is what makes this journey so special. Together, we are not just building leaders for tomorrow—we are creating a lasting legacy of resilience, innovation, and compassion that will uplift generations to come. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us inspire and guide our youth. I am honored to continue this journey with you!
Sincerely,
Debra Johnson
Executive Director
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How Diversity Makes Us Smarter | Being around people who are different from us makes us more creative, diligent, and hard-working. When people are brought together to solve problems in groups, they bring different information, opinions, and perspectives. | | | | |
Student of the Month Recognition | |
Nominate your favorite standout student for AAYLC Student of the Month and give them the recognition they deserve, along with a $150 award! Whether they excel in academics, sports, arts, or community service, we want to highlight their incredible accomplishments. The nomination process is quick and easy, so don’t miss the chance to shine a light on their achievements. Let’s celebrate our young leaders and reward them for their outstanding efforts! Click Here | | |
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October - Yasmeen Aaron
“Yasmeen is consistent and works hard to be her best,” states the father of this North Middle School 8th grader! She may still be in middle school, but she is all ready for when she gets to high school. Yasmeen has been playing the clarinet for about 3 years. She will participate in the marching band when the season arrives and wants to play in the high school marching band next year. Yasmeen also really enjoys being part of the drama club in a unique way. While some students are competing to get on stage, Yasmeen is skilled at the technology used to run the backstage. She may even turn it into a career in the future!
Learn more about this exceptional student
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September - Winter Smith
Winter is a well-rounded student and has just started her sophomore year at Sand Creek High School. She has earned a 3.7 GPA since starting concurrent enrollment; a program which includes college-level history, ethics, and criminal justice courses. She is talented enough to succeed in anything that she attempts, and her intellectual curiosity is off the charts! She has always loved math, but recently discovered joy in Health Science after having an incredible teacher during her freshmen year. Winter is currently deciding between a career in science or law, and fully acknowledges that she has enough life ahead of her to do both over time.
Learn more about this exceptional student
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August - Vivienne Barr
Although Vivienne is starting her sophomore year at Pikes Peak Early College this fall, she is truly out of this world! She aspires to be a particle astrophysicist with a focus on black holes and dark matter. Her interest in space started at a very young age. She recalls watching Cosmos with her dad every weekend as early as 7 years old. She knew then that she wanted to study the universe and learn as much as possible. As Vivienne progressed through middle school, she discovered her passion for math as the "language of the universe." She enjoys learning and looks forward to using math, physics, and philosophy to deepen her understanding of our universe, all the way to her PhD.
Learn more about this exceptional student
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2024 Literary Exploration Contest Winners | |
We want to give a huge shout-out to all the incredible students who participated in our 7th Annual Literary Exploration Contest! We were absolutely thrilled by the number of entries we received. Each student took on the challenge of reading a book by an author of color, crafting thoughtful book evaluations, and sharing powerful personal reflections. And now, we’re excited to announce this year’s 8 talented winners! Each winner has received a $100 Amazon Gift Card for their outstanding work. Congratulations to everyone who entered—you’ve truly inspired us with your creativity and insight! | |
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Faith Walker
8th Grade - Fountain MS
A Good Kind of Trouble
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Shivani Rajesh Kumar
8th Grade - Wells MS
For Black Girls Like Me
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Wildan Amadu
8th Grade - Mountain Ridge MS
Becoming Muhammad Ali
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Kate Cho
9th Grade - Richard Montgomery
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives
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Saanvi Saxena
9th Grade - Seven Lakes HS
Dear Martin
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Eliana Burrs
10th Grade - Sand Creek HS
The Girl Who Fell from the Sky
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Yasmin Amadu
10th Grade - Rampart HS
The Kaya Girl
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Neema Patel
10th Grade - Lisa Academy North HS
Beasts of Prey
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The AAYLC Board of Directors remains dedicated to equipping students and their families with the resources necessary to make meaningful contributions in their communities and beyond. As we bid farewell to board members Alice Miles and Demetria Lister, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable contributions and commitment to our mission.
As I conclude my term as President, I reflect on the honor it has been to serve such a passionate and dedicated community. I am excited to announce that effective October 14th, Dr. Paul Wiggins will take on the role of Interim Board President. With his extensive experience and deep commitment to our mission, I am confident that under his leadership, the AAYLC will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact. While my journey with the board is concluding, my belief in our mission remains resolute. Thank you all for your trust and support, and I look forward to witnessing the continued success of the AAYLC in the years to come!
With deep appreciation,
Nicole Frazier
President, AAYLC Board of Directors
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Cultural Connections: Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health and Identity
By Alice Miles, MSW/SWC, Psychotherapist, Adoption Placement Supervisor & AAYLC Board Director
Mental health is influenced by numerous factors, and culture plays a significant role in shaping how we perceive and manage our well-being. It influences our attitudes, beliefs, and norms around mental health. Culture encompasses the beliefs, behaviors, and practices that define a group of people, and can be shaped by elements such as cuisine, art, ethnicity, religion, and community traditions. Read More
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The Success Blueprint: Preparing for Careers, College, and Scholarships
The African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC), in partnership with Education Children of Color (ECOC), invites high school students and their parents to an exciting event featuring the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Join us for a day of engaging workshops led by local educators and professionals, covering CTE pathways, college planning, military careers, and essential topics like financial aid and scholarship writing. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your future and gain valuable insights! Registration is OPEN! Register TODAY!
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Call to Action: Seeking Conference Presenters
Get ready to inspire and make a difference! We are seeking dynamic presenters for the 2025 African American Youth Leadership Conference. This is your opportunity to lead impactful workshops for both youth in grades 6-12 and The Village (which includes parents, kinship caregivers, educators, and professionals). Whether your expertise is in leadership, education, arts, or other fields, we want to hear from you! Help shape the next generation of leaders and equip the adults supporting them. Apply today to be part of this transformative experience—applications are open until November 30th! Submit your proposal here.
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Online Fundraiser: Colorado Gives Day
We're excited to participate in Colorado Gives Day, a day when our community comes together to support local nonprofits. Join us in celebrating our achievements in empowering youth and supporting families. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to our vital programs and help shape a brighter future for our youth. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary! Stay tuned for more details.
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***SAVE THE DATE*** 32nd Annual African American Youth Leadership Conference
Get ready for an exhilarating day filled with engaging workshops in Leadership Development, Fine Arts, College Preparation, Black History, Entrepreneurship, STEM, and much more! This event is an absolute must for students in grades 6-12. With live entertainment, exciting prize giveaways, and meals provided, this is an incredible opportunity for students to shape their futures. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
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Fundraiser: Castle Rock Shopping Extravaganza
September 28, 2024
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us at the Outlets at Castle Rock Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, September 28th! The weather was simply perfect, and it was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout! Our amazing AAYLC supporters enjoyed a day full of fun, exciting prize giveaways, and unbeatable shopping deals. Check out the photo that captured some of the wonderful people who stayed until the end! Thank you for making the day so memorable, and we can't wait to see your smiling faces again next year!
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Boss Babe Academy
July 15th - 18th
The AAYLC is proud to have sponsored the Boss Babe Academy, an impactful 4-day youth leadership program that successfully empowered girls ages 11-18 with essential personal and professional development skills. This year, participants had the unique opportunity to learn from some of the city’s most influential female business leaders, gaining invaluable insights and inspiration. A heartfelt thank you to Kristen Faith and her dedicated team for providing such a remarkable experience for our community. We are excited to see the positive impact this event will have on the future leaders among us! To learn more about this amazing organization, please click here.
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