Denver Kids

History Break! 🧠

For 80 years, Denver Kids has walked alongside tens of thousands of students, through opportunities and challenges that varied dramatically for each cohort and each generation. In honor of our anniversary, we're sharing stories and highlights from each decade of our history.

In Denver, the 90s brought development of the downtown area, increasing both job opportunities and the arts and culture scene was expanding with new music venues, art spaces, and events that drew people out of the house, forming community.

Scientific research also expanded and focused on the necessity of a holistic approach to youth development. Denver Boys and Denver Girls were well suited to support the national narrative of mental health awareness. A national investment in youth mental health initiatives aided both organizations in having a common language for social-emotional learning, something Denver Boys lacked at the founding in 1946.

Denver Boys and Denver Girls recognized that together they would be more effective and could reach far more students. So, on September 1, 1993, these organizations merged, becoming Denver Kids. The increased resources and efficiencies meant more funding went directly to serving close to 700 students annually, with 22 staff members.

Denver Kids then began serving students based on geographic quadrants of the city. This way, staff members were able to form deeper connections with students, school staff, neighborhoods, and community members. With stronger community ties came a more effective ability to provide local resources and opportunities for students to thrive.

Thanks to the 1990s, Denver Kids has had greater impact for students, and furthered understanding of comprehensive childhood development, all while MTV blasted "Smells Like Teen Spirit" in the background.

Be on the lookout each month as we highlight success stories of each decade!

At Denver Kids, Volunteer Mentors play a vital role in contributing to student success.

Recently, we caught up with Volunteer Mentor Chris, and his mentee, Angel. Angel just graduated from Rocky Mountain Prep Smart and has been paired with Chris for 2 years.

Chris shared, “2 years ago I was introduced to this extraordinary program and quickly enrolled as a Mentor, where Angel and I were connected. Angel was soft spoken, bored at school despite high performance, and yet impressively involved with the Denver Police Explorer's Program. Quickly I realized how gifted & intelligent Angel was.

Angel and I needed to get to know each other better and we had some amazing experiences including learning how to snowboard, trying new foods, and attending professional sporting events. Once the trust began to build, I had to ask the million dollar question; “What would you do if you set your sights higher?’”

Angel replied like he had never been asked this and said, ‘I don't know a Pilot, Aerospace Engineering, or something.’

I knew this is where the real work was going to begin. I began to research universities with Angel and started talking about what it would take to get in, what would be a long term occupation that would serve him the rest of his life. Aerospace Engineering was the path Angel chose, so we further researched the civilian and military paths available to a young talent like Angel. Angel and I toured University of Colorado- Aerospace Engineering in Boulder and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Angel worked with his awesome Denver Kids Advisor, Kerry, and outside scholarship advisor to apply and was a final candidate for a variety of scholarships.

This experience was an honor to be a part of, and because of Angel, was effortless and unlimitedly rewarding for me to see this shy boy become a man of confidence with a limitless future ahead.

Angel will be attending the New University of Colorado Springs Aeronautical Engineering Program this fall and I could not be more proud, though certainly not surprised!

Congratulations Angel, I hope you feel our relationship has helped you as much as it has helped me!”

Join Denver Kids in extending a huge congratulations to Angel, we can’t wait to see what your future holds! 🎓️ 🚀

Interested in joining the Denver Kids Volunteer Mentoring program and impacting students like Angel each and every day? Click the link in our bio to learn more.