October 2026

Youth Opportunities Newsletter

The Data and Priorities Session Starts Today!

It is not too late to register for the Data and Priorities session starting TODAY at 4 pm!

During the Data and Priorities Session meetings, we'll look at what we heard at the 2026 Jeffco CTC Youth Town Hall along with results from the 2025 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey. Youth and adults are both welcome to join. Youth who participate are compensated $25 for each 90 minute meeting they attend. 

You don't need to be a "numbers person" to join. We'll handle the analysis; we need your insights and perspective on what the data means and where the Coalition should prioritize its work!

Data and Priorities Session meetings are:

• TODAY, Wednesday, October 7th, 4:00pm - 5:30pm (virtual)
• Wednesday, October 21st, 4:00pm - 5:30pm (virtual)
• Wednesday, November 4th, 4:00pm - 5:30pm (virtual)
• Wednesday, November 18th, 4:00pm - 5:30pm (virtual)
• Wednesday, December 2nd, 4:00pm - 5:30pm (virtual)
• Wednesday, December 16th, 4:00pm - 5:30pm (virtual)

Please sign up and share with your networks!

S.T.A.C.K: Skills, Trades, Agriculture & Culinary Knowledge Training Program

S.T.A.C.K. Construction Cohort is a one-week opportunity designed for young women ages 18–24 who are interested in gaining hands-on skills and exploring career pathways in the construction industry.

Cohort Details:

• Dates: October 26–30, 2026
• Time: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
• Ages: 18–24
• Spots Available: 15
• Focus: Construction fundamentals, hands-on training, certifications, safety knowledge, mentorship/career guidance, and pathways to opportunities

It's time to vote!

If you will be 18 or older on Election Day (November 3rd), now is a great time to make a plan to vote!

Ballots for the 2026 General Election have been mailed to voters, and all 40 Jeffco ballot drop boxes are open.

If you can, return your ballot early — it helps election officials process ballots sooner, saves taxpayer dollars and means fewer campaign calls and emails as Election Day gets closer. And remember: this year's ballot has two pages, so be sure to return both pages, even if you don't vote on every race or question.

Ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on November 3.

Visit the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder’s website for voting locations, voter turnout dashboards, and more at VoteJeffcoCO.gov.

Lakewood Kids Climate Grant Applications Now Open

What would you change about your school or neighborhood?

Maybe you want to start a school garden, or help pollinators. Maybe your school needs better recycling or composting. Maybe you have an idea we haven’t even thought of yet!

The Lakewood Kids Climate Grant provides $50 to $500 to help turn your sustainability ideas into reality.

Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation Art & Enrichment Classes

Explore Upcoming Art & Enrichment Classes with Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation!

Mug Shot: Design your own personalized drinking cup!

• October 8th - November 5th, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
• Recreation Center
• Ages 12-16

Ink and Insight: Relax and express yourself through abstract art!

• November 6th, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
• Anderson Building
• Ages 11-18

Intro to Role-Playing Games (RPGs): Fantasy tabletop role-playing games for teens!

• November 16th - December 14th, 10 Am - 12 PM
• Recreation Center
• Ages 10-14

Vision and Vibes: A creative space for teens to design their future!

• January 2nd, 10 AM - 12 PM
• Anderson Building
• Ages 12-17

Community Resources

The Trevor Project

I Matter

Emily Tucker

she/her, Coalition Manager

• Email emilyt@jeffcoctc.care
• Call 720-248-8439

Sasha Hutchings

she/her, Executive Director

• Email sashah@jeffcoctc.care
• Call 720-248-8381

General Information

• Email info@jeffcoctc.care
• Call 720-248-8439

Jefferson County Communities That Care's mission is

-- in partnership with youth --

to improve health, safety, and wellness in Jefferson County. 

This monthly newsletter, created by Jeffco CTC staff, is distributed to our coalition's mailing list which anyone can subscribe or unsubscribe to at any time using the links at the end. View this newsletter as a webpage by clicking the link at the top.

This project was created by the Jefferson County Communities That Care (Jeffco CTC) coalition, which is housed within the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center. Jeffco CTC is funded through an Elevating Prevention in Colorado (EPIC) grant. The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the grant provider.