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About Access
OUR MISSION:
We are committed to enriching the lives of youth, supporting working families, and building healthy communities by providing high-quality after school and summer programs.
OUR VISION:
We envision communities in which youth are connected to their peers, families, mentors, and the community at large; where youth feel a sense of belonging, are socially and emotionally supported, are inspired to explore their interests, and are empowered for the future.
OUR PHILOSOPHY:
We believe that youth thrive when they are offered experiences that spark passion and encourage movement and creativity; these experiences develop skills that encourage personal growth, community connection, academic success, and an appreciation for arts, culture, and healthy living.
Who We Are
Access (Formerly Access AfterSchool and Access Roaring Fork) is a small but dedicated team of professionals committed to creating meaningful out-of-school time opportunities for children and families in our community. With just four full-time staff members, we partner closely with area school districts to offer high-quality, engaging afterschool and summer programs in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys of Western Colorado.
We operate as a separate nonprofit organization, working in collaboration with schools to provide enrichment, academic support, and safe spaces for local youth. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of the students and families we serve, offering flexibility and creativity that complements, but is independent from school district operations.
What We Do
Access keeps youth connected to school and community through a combination of enrichment classes that provide life skills, leadership development through an exploration of a wide variety of subjects, including art, music, science, fitness, cooking, martial arts and much more. Access SecondShift and Access BoostCamp serve approximately 1,400 youth annually.
Access emphasizes eight core youth development and college/career readiness skills:
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COLLABORATION
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CREATIVITY
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CRITICAL THINKING
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RESPONSIBILITY
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GROWTH MINDSET
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HEALTH LITERACY
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INITIATIVE
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DIGITAL LITERACY
Learn More About These Skills:
In Basalt classes are held at: Basalt Middle School
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In Carbondale classes are held at: Ross Montessori School, Carbondale Middle School
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In West Glenwood Springs classes are held at: Glenwood Springs Middle School
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In South Glenwood classes are held at: Riverview School
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In New Castle classes are held at: Riverside Middle School, Elk Creek Elementary
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In Rifle classes are held at: ​Rifle Middle School, Graham Mesa Elementary School, and Wamsley Elementary School