Article by Mel Ulle
What happens when a local nonprofit has a bold vision to build a future in which every Colorado child thrives intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically? When the devoted team works with kids in the summer and throughout the year with a keen focus on the whole child through academic skill-building, social-emotional support, health, and wellness activities?
The result is increased school attendance, higher self-esteem, better grades, and an authentic love of learning. Horizons Colorado at Colorado Academy stands as a beacon of hope, offering a transformative educational experience to under-resourced students in Denver. The program’s core strength lies in its commitment to long-term partnerships. This dedication goes beyond academics, fostering a love of learning and building a strong foundation for success.
“The most compelling aspect of Horizons Colorado at Colorado Academy is our unwavering commitment to long-term partnerships,” explains Daniela Meltzer, Executive Director. “We work with students and their families from Pre-K all the way through high school, building a foundation of trust and support that fosters a genuine love of learning.”
Horizons’ commitment stands in striking contrast to the glaring inequities in the educational system, where opportunity gaps leave students behind. By providing a unique program that spans a student’s entire academic journey, the support is ongoing, steady, and predictable, unlike so many other programs that pop in and out of a student’s life.
The pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities within Denver’s under-resourced communities with families facing a litany of challenges, including job insecurity, food scarcity, and the devastating loss of loved ones. Horizons rose to the occasion.
“We responded by pivoting our programs – launching a virtual tutoring initiative and a hybrid summer program,” explains Meltzer. “It wasn’t easy, but it solidified our dedication to our students.”
This dedication extended beyond academics as the program established a high school mentorship program, which has seen explosive growth – a testament to its positive impact on students. From just 12 participants in 2020, the program now boasts 45 engaged students.
The transformative power of Horizons is evident in the stories of its alumni. Jessica Nuñez Hernandez, the program director, exemplifies this impact. Having started as a student in the program, Jessica’s journey highlights the long-term influence Horizons has on its participants.
The success of Horizons fuels the organization’s ambition to reach more students. This summer, they’re thrilled to announce the launch of two new sites: The Montessori School of Denver and Graland Country Day School. Currently serving 225 students, their vision is to expand to serve a staggering 1,000 or even 2,000 students across Colorado.
“To achieve this ambitious goal, we’re establishing a regional office by the end of 2024,” explains Meltzer. “This regional office will be instrumental in expanding our reach and serving more students across different communities.”
However, this work depends on the support of the community – individuals and foundations who believe in the power of education to transform lives. By joining Horizons’ journey, you’re investing in a brighter future for Denver’s children and helping to dismantle the opportunity gap. If you’re interested in supporting the great work of Horizons Colorado at Colorado Academy, please consider donating through their site at Horizons Colorado.
Read Melanie Ulle’s monthly Making a Difference Articles at Urban Life Wash Park.
