Partners Invest in Colorado Youth At Risk

Partners Invest in Colorado Youth At Risk

Colorado Youth At Risk

Social Venture Partners Denver (SVP Denver), a fund of The Denver Foundation, is a partnership of individuals who invest their time, money, and business expertise in nonprofit organizations focused on helping metro Denver's youth.

In 2008, SVP Denver partners selected Colorado Youth at Risk as one of their grantees, engaging in a unique partnership between the two organizations.

Colorado Youth at Risk's mission is to empower teenage students to make life choices that positively impact their future through community-based mentoring and intensive training. Through two main programs, the organization seeks to assist young people in developing self-esteem and self-advocacy, increasing skills to deal effectively with stressful life situations, and creating a caring stable support system of adult mentors.

Steps Ahead for Youth is a one-year intensive dropout prevention program conducted in partnership with Denver area schools. The program begins with a four-day launch course retreat in the mountains, followed by a twelve-month series of community workshop sessions on topics such as self-expression and sexual responsibility. At the completion of Steps Ahead for Youth, youth can elect to participate in Touchstone, a program designed to provide them with support and guidance from 10th grade through high school graduation.

Over the last 4 years, 95% of youth participating in Colorado Youth at Risk programs stayed in school and 97% graduated. In addition, 60% improved their grade point average and attendance. With this proven track record, SVP Denver’s investment in this organization is meeting its mission of helping metro Denver's youth. For more information about SVP Denver, visit www.svpdenver.org. To learn more about Colorado Youth at Risk, visit www.coyar.org.