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May 2026
Youth Opportunities Newsletter
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There is still time to apply to be a Youth Town Hall (YTH) Planning Team Member!
Jeffco CTC’s Youth Town Hall (YTH) is about youth having a say in what happens in Jefferson County.
The Jeffco CTC Youth Town Hall Planning Team creates a space for youth to speak on important issues, gather real input from other youth, and use the information to create visible change in our community. The YTH Planning team is open to youth aged 11 - 22 who live and/or go to school in Jefferson County.
The YTH Planning Team will meet as follows to plan the event:
- Saturday, May 30th, 10:00am - 1:00pm - Kick Off Meeting (in person at 9250 West 5th Avenue, Third Floor, Lakewood, CO 80226)
- Wednesday, June 3rd, 9:30am - 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, June 17th, 9:30am - 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, July 1st, 9:30am - 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, July 15th, 9:30am - 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, July 29th, 9:30am - 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, August 12th, 9:30am - 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, August 26th, 4:00pm - 6:00pm (virtual)
- Wednesday, September 9th, 4:00pm - 6:00pm (virtual)
The YTH Planning Team will help determine the date of the Youth Town Hall event as well as the run through and debrief session (all in person).
Youth Town Hall Planning Team members will facilitate the Youth Town Hall event and will receive a stipend up to $450.
Help us spread the word! Please share the flyer!
Apply by May 17th, 2026.
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Rise Above Colorado is now accepting applications for their Teen Action Council, a statewide leadership opportunity for youth ages 12-18. Their goal is a Teen Action Council that is representative of Colorado including all races, genders, economic background, substance use background, academic standing, etc.
What do Teen Action Council members do?
- Educational resource delivery: Teen Action Council members will be trained and supported by Rise Above Colorado staff to facilitate Rise Above Colorado educational resources in their local communities. Their resources cover topics such as appropriate use of prescription medications, critical thinking skills, Colorado youth substance use trends, and much more.
- Share youth perspective: Additionally, members will provide input, feedback, and ideas towards ongoing Rise Above Colorado projects and initiatives. They highly value the thoughts and opinions of Teen Action Council members which are integral in informing Rise Above Colorado prevention messaging and strategy.
- Explore prevention methods: Teen Action Council members will learn about upstream prevention, overdose prevention, and different ways of engaging with communities to improve health outcomes.
When are meetings?
- Members participate in four in-person weekend meetings: August, October, January, and April
- During these weekends, you will connect with other passionate teens, grow as leaders, and take part in fun evening activities.
- Members will also join monthly Zoom meetings to stay engaged and continue work between in-person meetings: September, November, December, February, March
Are members paid?
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Participants receive a $1,000 stipend to compensate for their participation and engagement. Travel costs are supported, including mileage reimbursement and hotel accommodations for those traveling to meetings.
The deadline for applications is May 8th, 2026.
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Women’s Wilderness’ youth programs allow girls and gender-expansive young people a safe and inclusive opportunity to strengthen self-esteem, confidence, wellness, and relationship skills, all while immersed in nurturing outdoor experiences.
Each Summer course offers opportunities for youth in grades 3-12 to grow in their self-awareness, social awareness, and ability to discover their authentic leadership qualities.
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Discover Outdoors: June 15-19th at Cal-Wood Education Center, designed for rising 5th-6th graders
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Adventure Backpack: July 13-17th backpacking in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, designed for rising 7th-9th graders
All courses focus on creating a community that relishes the joy of connections with the self, with others, and with the natural world.
Need assistance paying? Apply for financial aid here.
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Whatever it is, it Matters
Reach out to the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line for 25/7 emotional support.
Call - Text 988 - Live Chat at 988colorado.com
| | | |  | Trained counselors are here to support LGBTQIA+ youth 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, call the Trevor Lifeline now at 1-866-488-7386, text ‘START’ to 678-678,or chat with a trained professional online. | | | | | The I Matter program can connect you with a therapist for up to 6 free virtual counseling sessions (some in-person appointments available, too) that are completely confidential. Talking with someone can make you feel better. To start, click on “Youth” below to take a short survey. Be as honest as possible: your answers will help match you with the right therapist. | | |
Emily Tucker
she/her, Coalition Manager
Sasha Hutchings
she/her, Executive Director
General Information
| | | Jefferson County Communities That Care's mission is -- in partnership with youth -- to improve health, safety, and wellness in Jefferson County. | | This project was created by the Jefferson County Communities That Care (Jeffco CTC) coalition, a project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center. Jeffco CTC is funded through a Community Organizing for Prevention grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the grant provider. | | | | |
