Announcing the 2026 Impact on Education scholarship winners

4 min read

At the end of each school year, Impact on Education selects graduating seniors from the Boulder Valley School District to award scholarships to pursue their dreams after graduation. 

We’re proud to announce that 11 students have been awarded scholarships — a $49,000 investment — to pursue higher education this fall.

These $1,000 to $10,000 awards support students’ academic pursuits at four-year universities, community colleges, and vocational schools. Because the majority of these scholarships are renewable for between two to four years, we’re able to provide support throughout students’ academic journeys. In the upcoming 2026-27 school year, Impact on Education plans to grant up to $57,750 in renewed scholarship funds.

Please join us in congratulating and celebrating our 2026 scholarship awardees!

Houston Scholarship

This $10,000 scholarship celebrates motivated Boulder Valley students with demonstrated academic achievement. Renewable for up to four years, this scholarship provides steady financial support to help students pursue their dreams.

Samuel Harkness, Nederland Middle Senior High School

Samuel intends to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Simrika Zuwa, Boulder High School

Simrika is bound for the University of Colorado Denver where she plans to study psychology.

Jai’lyn Francis, Fairview High School

Jai’lyn plans to attend Colorado State University to study biochemistry.

“I am driven by a desire to ensure justice, especially for those who are wrongfully accused. At the same time, I plan to continue my passion for music through choir or a minor in vocal performance, blending science and creativity in a unique way.”

Earl & Barbara Bolton Scholarship

This $5,000 scholarship supports a student who plans to pursue a career in engineering, forestry, nursing, or the sciences. It can be renewed for up to four years.

Xiomara Portillo, Boulder High

Xiomara intends to study nursing at the University of Colorado Denver.

New Vista Scholarship

This $5,000 scholarship supports a New Vista High School student pursuing higher education and who demonstrates a commitment to New Vista’s values. It’s renewable for up to four years.

Sarah Crank, New Vista High School

Sarah is bound for Reed College to pursue an education in ethnic studies, with focus in Native American and environmental studies, as well as pre-law.

Gould Scholarship

This $2,500 scholarship is a one-time award granted to a Boulder High senior who plans to pursue a degree in education.

Jocelyn Ramirez Ordaz, Boulder High School

Jocelyn is headed for Metropolitan State University where she intends to earn her degree in elementary education.

Chris Lopez, Boulder High

Chris plans to study education at the University of Colorado Boulder.

“Becoming a teacher would give me more opportunities to learn and give back to my community.”

Dennie & Donna Wise Scholarship

These $1,000 scholarships are awarded to Boulder Valley students pursuing a vocational education or attending a community college. They are renewable for up to two years. 

Britney Garcia, Boulder High School

Britney is headed for Front Range Community College where she plans to study nursing.

Bryan Eduardo Sanchez Zavala, Centaurus High School

Bryan intends to pursue a degree in software engineering at Front Range Community College.

Noble Paw, Centaurus High School

Noble is bound for Front Range Community College to study education.

Jeff Howenstein Panther Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship honors former Boulder High AVID teacher Jeff Howenstein. Every year, it’s given to an outstanding student in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program and is renewable for up to four years. 

Joudi Alnamara, Boulder High School

Joudi plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study finance.

“I plan to attend the University of Colorado Boulder and study finance so I can help build a stable future and support my family. This scholarship [will] help me continue my education and work toward my future goals.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Meet Boulder High senior Xiomara: Future pediatric nurse 

Impact on Education scholarship awardee to study public health at CU Denver

This fall, the Boulder High School senior will attend the University of Colorado Denver to study public health before applying to nursing school with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

“I’ve always loved being around little kids and helping them feel cared for. Because of my little brother, I grew up spending a lot of time at Children’s Hospital, and the nurses and staff were always so kind, not just to him, but to me too.”

A family tradition of hard work and helping others

The desire to care for others shows up throughout Xiomara’s life. At Boulder High, she volunteered through Panther Z Club, helping low-income families select holiday gifts through a local Share-A-Gift program. She also volunteered through her church as a teacher’s assistant.

“It mainly comes from my parents,” she said about giving back. “They’ve always taught me that even if you don’t have a lot, you should still give what you can and try to help other people whenever possible. That’s something I’ve carried with me.”

Xiomara’s parents immigrated from El Salvador more than 20 years ago and worked hard to create opportunities for their children. College was always part of the dream, but the financial reality was a concern.

“Money was definitely one of the biggest worries when it came to college,” Xiomara said. “Receiving this scholarship made me feel like I could finally breathe a little easier. It made college feel more possible, and it took away some of the stress for both my family and me.”

In recognition of her hard work, academic commitment, and dedication to serving others, Xiomara was named the 2026 recipient of the Earl and Barbara Bolton Scholarship through Impact on Education. 

“When I found out I received [this scholarship], I was honestly so happy and shocked. My teachers were excited for me, my parents were proud and it just felt really emotional knowing that people believed in me and wanted to support my future.”

The Earl and Barbara Bolton Scholarship is one of several awards Impact on Education grants each year to Boulder Valley School District graduates, helping remove barriers to higher education for local students. The Boltons — a Boulder-born couple who shared a love for education, aviation, and service — left a bequest to Impact on Education that supports students like Xiomara. The $5,000 scholarship is renewable for up to four years, for a total of $20,000.

“When I found out I received it, I was honestly so happy and shocked,” Xiomara said. “My teachers were excited for me, my parents were proud and it just felt really emotional knowing that people believed in me and wanted to support my future.”

College and career preparation in action

The scholarship is one of many ways Impact on Education helps Boulder Valley School District students pursue higher education and future careers. In addition to scholarship support, Xiomara also participated in the Grad+ Summer Leadership Academy, a program funded in part by Impact on Education that helps students build career readiness and confidence through workshops, mock interviews, and internships. 

For Xiomara, the experience helped her feel more prepared for the future.

“My parents worked so hard to give us opportunities they didn’t have. I want to make them proud, help support them someday, and show other kids like me that these dreams really are possible.”

“I’m really grateful for opportunities like Grad+ because they help students gain experiences and confidence that not everyone has access to,” she said. “The mock interviews especially helped me feel more prepared for the future and more confident in myself.”

As she prepares to become one of the first in her immediate family to graduate from college, Xiomara hopes her education will create new opportunities not only for herself but also for her family.

“My parents worked so hard to give us opportunities they didn’t have,” she said. “I want to make them proud, help support them someday, and show other kids like me that these dreams really are possible.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

2026 Impact Awards: Celebrating educator excellence in Boulder Valley

4 min read

Last week, Impact on Education and the Boulder Valley community gathered to celebrate our 33rd annual Impact Awards. With nearly 500 people in attendance, we honored 62 Boulder Valley School District teachers and staff nominated by their principals and peers.

These educators were chosen for their dedication to improving student learning, well-being, and future success. An Impact Award winner was recognized from every school across the district, alongside two distinguished honors: the Blake Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award and the Imogene Maxon Early Educator Award.

Please join us in congratulating these education superheroes! Check out photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Blake Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award winner

Michele Giggey, office manager
Fireside Elementary School

A proud alum of BVSD, a parent to alumni, and a district employee for 32 years, Michele has deep roots in Boulder Valley education. In her role as office manager at Fireside Elementary, she manages sensitive, complex, and urgent tasks with grace and skill. Michele remains a calm, reliable support for staff, students, and families, even under pressure.

“When you are with Michele, you feel heard and valued, and that feeling extends to every corner of the building. Fireside feels like a true community because Michele makes it one.”

Michele consistently goes above and beyond her job duties. Driven by a commitment to equity, she seeks out funding for resources like field trip fees and volunteer background checks so that more caregivers and students can participate in school activities. She was also instrumental in connecting families affected by the Marshall Fire with critical resources such as food, housing, and clothing. As one nominator shared:

“From the moment you walk through our doors, her presence sets the tone. She welcomes everyone with genuine warmth, compassion, and joy. When you are with Michele, you feel heard and valued, and that feeling extends to every corner of the building. Fireside feels like a true community because Michele makes it one.”

Imogene Maxon Early Educator Award winner

Hasan Elsayed, math and science teacher
Centaurus High School

Image credit: Victoria Engblom

In just a few years at Centaurus High School, Hasan has already made a significant impact on students. His talent for teaching shone through even before he was a full-time educator. Students he taught as a practicum student still reach out to the school to share how his passion and support inspired them to pursue higher education in physics. As one nominator put it, Hasan builds a “community of shared discovery” that helps every student find their own potential and confidence.

An active listener and a steady presence for his students, Hasan’s impact is felt inside the classroom and beyond. He leads the 360 Program, connecting freshmen with upperclassmen mentors, and serves as a Physics Club sponsor, an E-Sports coach, and an assistant coach for boys’ volleyball. His students describe him as “wholehearted” and “passionate about science and also about us.” By creating an inclusive, collaborative environment, Hasan encourages his students to take intellectual risks and discover their potential.

2026 Impact Award honorees

Educators from each school across the Boulder Valley School District were honored.

Elementary honorees

• Di Morgan, Alicia Sanchez Elementary
• Brie Wright, Bear Creek Elementary
• Megan Granger, Birch Elementary
• Jen O’Brien, BCSIS
• Rachel Cauley, Coal Creek Elementary
• Enes Mesan, Columbine Elementary
• Melissa Martin, Community Montessori
• Nicole Griffin, Creekside Elementary
• Jeanette Scotti, Crestview Elementary
• Michelle Cartwright, Douglass Elementary
• Becky Sanchez, Eisenhower Elementary
• Jocelyne Barnes, Emerald Elementary
• Sandy Sirepisios, Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer
• Liz Harp, Fireside Elementary
• Jeannie Dulaney, Flatirons Elementary
• Erin Eissinger, Foothill Elementary
• Beth Cendali, Gold Hill Elementary
• Mara Oleson, Heatherwood Elementary
• Sharon Udasin, High Peaks Elementary
• Mary Jill Fransen, Jamestown Elementary
• Antwon Owens, Kohl Elementary
• Tremen Fenner, Lafayette Elementary
• Paula Reichel, Louisville Elementary
• Jennifer Bones, Mapleton Early Childhood
• Caron Minsley, Mesa Elementary
• Kristen Kron, Nederland Elementary
• Lauren Davis, Ryan Elementary
• Ashley Friede, Superior Elementary
• Cecilia Lopez, University Hill Elementary
• Terri LeRose, Whittier International

Middle and PK-8 honorees

• Troy Yanel, Angevine Middle
• Jessie Trezise, Aspen Creek PK-8
• Anahi Quintana, Broomfield Heights
• Erin Randall, Casey Middle
• Rocio Leal, Centennial Middle
• Jeremy James, Eldorado PK-8
• Ryan Conrad, Horizons K-8 Charter
• Bethany Konz, Louisville Middle
• Alaina McQueen, Manhattan Middle
• Desiree Wright, Meadowlark
• Erica Bednar, Monarch PK-8
• Sean DePaula, Nederland Middle-Senior
• Josh Feiger, Nevin Platt Middle
• Pamela Rutigliano, Peak to Peak Charter
• Steve Pilger, Southern Hills Middle
• Brian Rogers, Summit Charter Middle

High school and special programs honorees

• Barbara Kase, APEX
• Michael Ryan, Arapahoe Ridge High
• Sherri Funk, Broomfield High
• Eduardo Anduaga, Boulder High
• Kenny Gillis, Boulder Preparatory High
• Sarah Stone, Boulder Universal 
• Deb Hammock, Centaurus High
• Kim Sibray, Chinook West High
• Ross Sutter, Fairview High
• Amy Smith, Halcyon
• Andrew Harding, Justice High
• Kathleen Packard, Monarch High
• Ed Kaschins, New Vista High
• Jen Gero, The Transitions Center

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the award ceremony, and to the generous sponsors who made the event possible: Meritrust Credit Union, the Boulder Valley Education Association, AdventHealth Avista, and the Daily Camera.

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

3 ways community support sparks “lightbulb” moments for BVSD students

The impact of Student Opportunity Fund Grants

3 min read

Sometimes all it takes is one school project, one special book, or one field trip to spark a “lightbulb” moment in a student. Suddenly, abstract concepts finally come to life and everything seems to click into place. At Impact on Education, we believe every student in Boulder Valley deserves those moments.

This school year, we awarded over $181,000 in Student Opportunity Grants — powered by community donors and Meritrust Credit Union — to bring that vision to life. When school budgets can’t cover everything educators and students need, our community rises to the occasion.

• Impact snapshot:
• Round One (Fall): 83 educator projects funded with $115,000 total awarded
• Round Two (Spring): 48 projects funded with $67,000 total awarded
• Total: Over $181,000 in Student Opportunity Fund Grants

Here are a few snapshots of impact from the fall grant cycle, made possible by dedicated teachers and community investment:

1. Decodable books build student confidence and a love of reading

Louisville Elementary

For students developing their reading skills, working through a standard book can feel like an uphill battle. To keep K-2 students motivated, Louisville Elementary set out to build a library of decodable texts. These special books help kids practice phonic skills using words they can sound out as they read — a resource that is especially helpful for students with dyslexia. With support from Impact on Education, and the leadership of a determined literacy interventionist, the school was able to purchase a variety of these books, helping kids build confidence and develop a love of reading.

2. Robotics program redefines who belongs in STEM

Manhattan School of the Arts and Academics

Too many communities have long been underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. One robotics program is helping flip that script — encouraging dual language students to see themselves as future engineers. With a grant from Impact on Education, students built robots and gained hands-on engineering experience in both English and Spanish. This culturally relevant instruction allows students to deepen their technological literacy in two languages and prepare for success in their future careers.

3. Field trip fee support makes outdoor learning open to all

Elementary schools across Boulder Valley

The Cal-Wood outdoor education trip is a time-honored tradition for 5th grade students in BVSD. Kids learn about science and the environment with hands-on activities in the great outdoors. But because field trip fees aren’t something every family or school can cover, educators request small grants from Impact on Education so that cost never gets in a student’s way. Thanks to community generosity, these “boots in the dirt” experiences remain open to every student — no matter the school they go to or what their circumstances are.

Why grants are needed and how you can help

Even in a public education system, there are often hidden costs — like field trip fees or limited access to specialized tools. Impact on Education works closely with teachers and schools to fill these funding gaps and decrease the distance between student potential and opportunity. We rely on the generosity of our community to support students. If you’re inspired and believe every child deserves these moments of discovery, please consider supporting our work.

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

5 ways Mental Health Advocates support BVSD students

Tools parents and caregivers can use at home

7 min read

• Key points:
• Nationwide, teens are facing a mental health crisis.
• Boulder Valley School District and Impact on Education have partnered to support mental and emotional wellness in six high schools.
• School district Mental Health Advocates encourage students by offering processing support, teaching students coping skills, and staffing tech-free, calming spaces.
• Advocate Emma Olsen offers actionable mental health and emotional regulation tips for families below.

National trends

It’s undeniable that teens have more mental distress than ever before. National data reflects what many families are already feeling. 

• 40% of high school students in 2023 reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.¹
• 20% said they had seriously considered attempting suicide.¹
• 55% of parents say they are extremely or very concerned about teen mental health.²

How BVSD and Impact on Education are responding

The Boulder Valley School District and Impact on Education are taking an innovative approach by building mental and emotional wellness into the school day. A team of Mental Health Advocates (MHAs) work inside six high schools through dedicated Wellness Centers. 

Unlike school counselors, who manage large caseloads and responsibilities ranging from academic planning, social and emotional health, and college and career support, MHAs focus exclusively on supporting student mental, social, and emotional health. MHAs don’t provide therapy, but instead offer a safe space and teach students coping skills.

5 strategies caregivers can use at home

Here are five ways Mental Health Advocates support Boulder Valley students, along with ideas families can use at home:

1) Build a toolbox of coping skills

Wellness Centers are not only places to talk. They are places to learn and practice coping skills and resilience.

MHAs introduce simple, repeatable tools that help students regulate in the moment. That might include breathing exercises like box breathing or coherent breathing, stretching, fidget tools that stimulate the vagus nerve, or grounding techniques.

“Having good mental health is a learned skill that needs to be taught and practiced,” said Emma Olsen, an MHA at New Vista High School. “I think as adults we sometimes forget that we need to show young people how to cope with stress and uncertainty.”

In the Wellness Centers, students learn how to notice what is happening in their bodies and choose a strategy that helps them reset.

Try this at home: When your child is overwhelmed or stressed, help them learn what tools and behaviors help. Try asking, “What usually helps your body feel calmer?” If they’re not sure, brainstorm together. A hot shower. A short walk. Music. A repetitive motion like rolling a bead in their hand or a yoga sequence. Build a short list of go-to tools and practice them before a crisis hits.

2) Create a tech-free “pause” in the day

For many teens, life includes a constant stream of notifications, group chats and social media. Wellness Centers give students a place to step out of that noise and practice being present in their bodies.

“In the Wellness Room we connect and process together rather than through technology,” said Emma.

When students come in upset, Emma helps them slow down instead of reaching for their phones. She notices changes in breathing or posture and names them. “I noticed your breathing changed. What’s happening in your body right now?”

With the help of MHAs, students learn to identify what they are feeling, regulate their bodies and respond thoughtfully rather than spiral. 

Try this at home: Give technology structure instead of eliminating it. Keep devices, including TVs and video games, out of bedrooms at night to protect sleep. Look at screen time together and model your own limits. Help the young people in your life  notice how technology affects their mood, focus and rest.

3) Identify safe “third spaces” and intentionally build community

Wellness Centers are not classrooms and they are not home. They are designed as a third space, a low-pressure environment where students can walk in and be themselves.

“All kids need spaces where they do not have to perform, compete or mask how they are feeling,” said Emma. “When they experience belonging in a setting like that, resilience grows.”

MHA’s intentionally build that belonging through regular, low-stakes check-ins so students can stop by even when nothing is wrong. They also create shared activities that lower social pressure, such as coloring mandalas while talking, working on puzzles or knitting side by side.

“All kids need spaces where they do not have to perform, compete or mask how they are feeling,” said Emma. “When they experience belonging in a setting like that, resilience grows.”

Belonging is not confined to the Wellness Center walls. During Pride at New Vista High School, Emma hosts identity tables where students can choose flags that represent them and learn about affinity groups where they can find community. At suicide prevention events, students sign awareness ribbons and take part in open, honest conversations about mental health.

Try this at home: Jot down a list of third spaces you find inviting. Enlist family and friends to do the same and make a plan to make time to enjoy those spaces. When talking with kids, this might look like encouraging them to participate in a sport or a club and scheduling time on the family calendar to be on the field or in the art studio.

4) Protect sleep and keep food neutral

Modern students are struggling physically, said Emma. Some are sleeping with phones on through the night. Others are skipping meals or getting stuck in anxious thinking about food and exercise. Before deeper problem-solving can happen, MHAs help students reconnect with their bodies.

That may mean asking direct questions about sleep, looking at screen time reports together, making sure kids are eating and reframing food as fuel rather than something to control. 

Try this at home: Treat sleep and food as nonnegotiable foundations, not side conversations. Keep devices out of bedrooms at night. As a family, talk about food in terms of energy your body needs rather than how it impacts appearance. Model this yourself. When teens see adults protecting their own sleep and speaking neutrally about nourishment, it reinforces that caring for the body is foundational for good mental health.

5) Normalize check-ins and process feelings out loud

Many teens are skilled at appearing “fine,” even when they are struggling. MHAs work to gently interrupt that pattern by teaching students how to name what they are feeling and move through it in healthy ways.

In Wellness Centers, students practice processing emotions both one on one and in small groups. They learn to slow down, identify what is happening in their bodies and put language to big feelings. The goal is not to eliminate stress. It is to build skills they can use the next time stress shows up.

Emma encourages adults to create regular opportunities for check-ins and to model emotional processing in real time. When young people see adults reflect honestly, it gives them permission to do the same.

Try this at home: Make reflection visible. Instead of only asking your child how they are doing, share your own process. “I slept badly last night and I can feel it today, so I’m going to try going to bed earlier.” The next day, close the loop. Let them see that managing stress is ongoing, imperfect, and human.

The community investment behind student wellness

Last school year:

• 2,897 high school students made 31,281 visits to Wellness Centers.
• About 1 in 3 students with access to a Wellness Center used the space.
• 6 Wellness Centers staffed by Mental Health Advocates were funded to support students.
• Students using Wellness Centers reported higher connection to their school community and access to trusted adults.
• Students using Wellness Centers had fewer disciplinary actions and risk factors for substance use.

The Wellness Centers, and the Mental Health Advocates who staff them, are funded by Impact on Education, the nonprofit foundation supporting the Boulder Valley School District. Community donations make it all possible.

For Emma, the impact is visible in the small, steady moments.

“I didn’t have anything like this when I was in high school,” she said. “There has to be a better way than waiting until things fall apart. If students can walk in here on a good day or a bad day and know they belong, that matters.”

The goal is not to eliminate stress. It is to help students build the tools, relationships and self-awareness that allow them to move through it.

1. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/
2. https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Career exploration in BVSD: How students are dreaming big early

4 min read

Walk the halls of a Boulder Valley elementary school during their Dare to Dream week, and you’ll find a flurry of action and excitement. A parent in a lab coat demonstrates how to use a microscope. Kids wriggle excitedly in their seats, their hands flying into the air to play a guessing game — which mystery resume belongs to their favorite teacher?

These moments are more than just a fun break from the usual school day routine; they’re bridges to kids’ futures. With funding from Impact on Education, the nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), “Dream” programming is rolling out across the district — inspiring youngsters from pre-K to eighth grade to explore professional possibilities.

Students at Mesa Elementary learning how to examine a leaf under a microscope from a local parent and botanist 

Bringing the “real-world” to the classroom

At both the middle and elementary levels, participating schools bring in local speakers from a wide range of fields, from science and technology to the arts. So far this spring semester, more than 100 guest speakers have participated — bringing the local community directly into the classroom. That included an anthropologist, a botanist, a marketer, an architect, and an aerospace engineer, just to name a few, sharing their professional journeys with students.

Louisville Middle School students getting an ambulance tour and learning what it’s like to work in the field of emergency medicine

“Just speaking from getting to see kids in the room…. they’re super dialed in and excited about interacting with these presenters,” said Zoe White, a seventh-grade teacher at Louisville Middle.

“This gives them a really natural connection for them to be able to see, there are all of these paths you can take, but having foundational skills in order to get there is really important.”

While elementary students get early exposure to different careers, middle schoolers begin to connect what they are learning in school with their immediate futures. Middle school Discover Your Dream career days are timed perfectly for eighth-graders, who are currently picking their high school electives.

“I think so often, especially with middle schoolers, we [hear students say], ‘oh, we’re doing this because we’re in school and we have to do it,’” said Zoe. “This gives them a really natural connection for them to be able to see, there are all of these paths you can take, but having foundational skills in order to get there is really important.”

Louisville Middle School students posing for a photo outside the ambulance they toured

Playing with purpose

While the younger students focus on what they can become, older students dig into the details of how they’ll navigate adulthood. For middle schoolers, this can include a life-like simulation game. Students are assigned an income, a career, and a family. They play out different scenarios — weighing complex financial decisions, such as car payments versus cell phone plans.

And just like in real life, they’re thrown curveballs. 

Investing in kids’ dreams

The magic of this program is clear, but ensuring it reaches every student — not just a lucky few — requires a sustainable system. Despite broad buy-in, securing a dedicated budget proved challenging this year. 

That’s when Impact on Education stepped in, committing up to $20,000 to cover the majority of the costs and keep the elementary and middle school Dream programs going strong.

“Funding is critical,” shared Lynette Welk, BVSD’s director of career and technical education. “This program wouldn’t happen without it. We can’t just rely on one passionate person at a school — we must build systems that allow all students to have access to these opportunities.”

Most career days depend on one passionate parent or educator to lead the charge. The goal is to move past that model and make career exploration a district-wide standard. 

“Funding is critical. This program wouldn’t happen without it. We can’t just rely on one passionate person at a school — we must build systems that allow all students to have access to these opportunities.”

Most of Impact on Education’s investment supports supply kits for each school — printing lesson plans, ordering books, and providing the games that bring learning to life. The curriculum is packaged at the district level, making it easier for schools to manage without as many logistical headaches. Educators and schools can adapt lessons as needed, but they have a framework to guide them. This approach provides a scalable formula for career education that improves access and opportunity for students across the district.

More schools, more dreams

The Dream programming began as the brainchild of Jessica Seevers, the principal of Flatirons Elementary. What started as a two-school pilot in the 2023-24 school year, has expanded rapidly with funding from Impact on Education. Last year, the program grew to 11 elementary schools and a few middle schools.

Increased funding this year is propelling that growth even further.

Flatirons Elementary kicking off their Dare to Dream week with an assembly led by Principal Jessica Seevers

This school year, 10 elementary and four middle schools have hosted events, with 20 more elementary schools planning to participate in the coming months. The goal is to expand early career exploration district-wide.

“We don’t want students to have career exploration by chance because one teacher planned guest speakers or career experiences,” explained Lynette. “We must be diligent in creating the landscape where all students get career exploration on purpose — in each and every one of our buildings.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

This first-gen grad found her way. Now she helps BVSD students find theirs.

3 min read

At 16, Katelyn Cano was sitting at her best friend’s kitchen table, asking his mom how college worked. Katelyn was the first in her family to graduate from high school and the first to go to college. The ambition was there, but her path wasn’t clear.

“I always knew college was in my future,” she said. “But I didn’t know how to do something different. Thankfully, I had help.”

Preparing students for college and career

The Career Readiness Academy (CRA) is Impact on Education’s 10-week after-school program for students at Boulder, Centaurus and Broomfield High Schools. It helps Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) students build confidence and develop professional skills that will serve them after graduation. Through workshops on job applications, resume writing, creating LinkedIn profiles, and more, students learn to prepare for the workforce and advocate for their own success. Participants also receive a stipend, helping make the program accessible to all.

Katelyn volunteers with CRA at Broomfield High School, leading mock interviews and offering guidance on resumes and cover letters. For her, it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress.

Katelyn sharing her professional experience and answering questions from Broomfield High School students during one of CRA’s “Pizza with a Professional” workshops

“I noticed many students start the program unsure and without access to the tools or confidence they need, and they finish with real, tangible outcomes, including how to show up professionally. I’ve watched students grow from hesitant to genuinely proud, and seeing that transformation, both in skills and confidence, is incredibly meaningful.”

“I’ve watched students grow from hesitant to genuinely proud, and seeing that transformation, both in skills and confidence, is incredibly meaningful.”

Volunteering with CRA lets Katelyn give back the knowledge and experience that changed her life. She’s also published a book of advice for first-generation college students. “There’s always someone ahead of you and always someone behind,” she said. “We all have information to share, even if we don’t think we do.”

Impact snapshot: Increasing student confidence

As students build new skills, they also gain confidence. Before last year’s program, only 19% of participants reported feeling very confident adapting their resume for a job or opportunity. After completing the program, that number rose to 67%. 

Rate your confidence level…

2024-25 CRA participants were asked to respond to surveys before and after CRA, assessing their confidence and skills in different areas of college and career readiness. 69 out of 100 students responded.

Investing in student success 

“It’s not just about one program or one kind of help… Impact on Education really shows up for students at every stage.”

Katelyn first connected with Impact on Education after moving to Colorado and searching for a local education nonprofit to support. What stood out to her then — and still does — is how the organization delivers support with dignity. Now, she’s now a proud volunteer and donor.

“It’s not just about one program or one kind of help. It’s the whole picture. It’s crayons and calculators, it’s scholarships and mental health support. Impact on Education really shows up for students at every stage.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Watch: How a Casey Middle program builds incredible student confidence

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Community impact in BVSD

Looking back on 2025, we’re proud of how this community showed up in support of Boulder Valley students, educators, and public schools. Check out this year’s most popular blogs to see the impact you helped make possible and learn more about the people powering change.

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent nonprofit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Make the Most of Your Year-End Giving

As 2025 draws to a close, your generosity can make a significant impact on students across Boulder Valley — and with thoughtful planning, your gift can also be tax-smart. H.R 1, or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), will impact charitable tax benefits in 2026, some of which are briefly outlined below. We encourage you to reach out to a tax professional to better understand your specific situation.

Here’s how to make the most of your charitable giving this year and next:

If you itemize deductions

Give by December 31 to receive a 2025 tax deduction.

• Cash gifts to Impact on Education (or any nonprofit) are generally deductible up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
• Non-cash gifts (such as appreciated stocks held more than one year) are generally deductible up to 30% of AGI and may help you avoid capital gains taxes.
• Bunch your giving: Consider accelerating multiple years of charitable gifts into 2025 to exceed the standard deduction threshold; Impact on Education can allocate your gifts as support for future years.
• Use a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF): Contribute to a DAF before Dec. 31, 2025, receive an immediate deduction this year, and recommend grants to Impact on Education in 2026. Contributions of appreciated assets to a DAF can be tax-efficient and expand your giving potential.
  

If you take the standard deduction

You can still make your giving count, strategically.

• In 2025, standard deduction filers can’t claim a charitable deduction.
• However, starting in 2026, OBBBA allows a $1,000 charitable deduction for individuals ($2,000 for couples) on top of the standard deduction for cash gifts made directly to nonprofits like Impact on Education.
• Consider pledging your 2025 year-end gift now to help us meet our goals, but make your payment in early January 2026 to take advantage of the new deduction.
• If you’re 70½ or older: You can donate up to $108,000 (or $216,000 per couple) directly from your IRA as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), meeting your required minimum distribution and avoiding income tax.
  

How you can help students this season

Give today to support access to opportunity for students across Boulder Valley, or pledge your gift now and give in early January to take advantage of 2026’s new deduction rules. Either way, your generosity helps Impact on Education meet year-end goals and start 2026 strong.

Questions?

This is not tax advice, as tax benefits vary based on individual circumstances. Please consult your tax professional for guidance. For questions about how you can support Impact on Education, contact katharine.reece@impactoneducation.org. Your investment fuels programs that create an equal playing field for every Boulder Valley student.

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