Colorado State Youth Council
The State Youth Council (SYC) is a sub-committee of the Education & Training Steering Committee of the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC). The SYC advises and champions the creation of multiple pathways to economic and career success for Colorado’s youth. The SYC serves as the youth expertise body of the CWDC and will:
- Identify and champion promising practices advancing youth talent development.
- Engage youth on their expertise and lived experiences to inform decisions.
- Advise on how to best engage youth in career-connected learning opportunities.
- Provide recommendations on policies and practices impacting youth talent development.
- Make recommendations for use of SYC funds.
The State Youth Council convenes quarterly to set the direction of initiatives and programs impacting youth talent development in Colorado. During 2020-2021 the SYC has chosen to focus on advancing the following strategic priorities:
- Support employers in creating welcoming workplaces for youth.
- Promote behavioral and mental health supports for workplace success.
- Accelerate and champion registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeships for youth.
2020-2021 Values:
- Youth engaged as partners and decision makers
- Dignity in all pathways
- Collaboration
- Sustainability
- Agility
- Inclusivity
- Operational excellence
State Youth Council Members
State Youth Council (SYC) appointees serve two-year terms as voting members of the SYC and work to promote and advise the CWDC on efforts to create multiple pathways to economic and career success for Colorado’s youth. The SYC is made up of young leaders under the age of 26, state agency members, and representatives from Colorado non-profits and other community based organizations.
- Executive Committee Members
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Cody Buchanan, Colorado Department of Education
Cameron Vigil, Young Invincibles
Cheryl Carver, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Delwin Maben, David Ortiz for CO HD38 Campaign
Isaiah Jiron, Park Hill Youth Collaborative
Katalina Garcia, Park Hill Youth Collaborative
Steve Wright, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
- Youth Leaders
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Ashley A Settergren, League of Women Voters, Legacy Foundation, DECA
Brittany Stadler, CareerWise Colorado
Chigoziem Alex Egbune, Denver Public Schools
Gabriella Carrethers, YAASPA
Kaream Reid, Equitas
Michaela Lee, YAASPA
Sharai Conde
Veronica Allen
Walker Bargmann, Eagle Ridge Academy
- State Agency Members
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Alfred Burciaga, Colorado Department of Higher Education
Dan Kraus, Colorado Workforce Development Council, Pueblo JATC
Dave Griffin, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Fumnanya Camara, Colorado Department of Education
Heather Terenzio, Colorado Workforce Development Council, Techtonic
Katie Oliver, Colorado Department of Education
Lauren Jones, Colorado Community College System
Lorin Wakefield, Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment
Pearl Bell, Colorado Department of Human Services
- Partner Organizations
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Amber Palmeri, Mile High Youth Corps
Baird McKevitt, Xcel Energy, Center for Energy Workforce Development
Bob Gemignani, Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance
Elizabeth Barber, Greeley Dream Team
Eric Dunker, Arapahoe Community College
Francis Vigil, Colorado Springs Electrical JATC
Karina Amaya, Weld County Department of Human Services
Larry Beer, U.S. Army
Lorena Zimmer, Denver Chamber of Commerce
Mary Peonio, Goodwill Denver
Tania Curry, Project Lead the Way
Youth Engagement
Do you have an organization, event, or promising practice that you would like highlighted? Use the form below and your submission may be included on the SYC website.
Meeting Dates & Materials
Materials for past and upcoming meetings can be accessed via the drop down menus below.
Upcoming meeting dates:
- October 1, 2020 from 12:30 - 2 p.m.
- December 3, 2020 from 12:30 - 2 p.m.
- June 11, 2020
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The June 11 meeting will be held virtually from 12:30 - 2 p.m. RSVP for the meeting to access the Zoom link.
- Feb. 13, 2020
- Archived Meeting Materials
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Meeting materials from past meetings will be kept here.
Resources
- Colorado Youth Talent Development
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A landscape analysis of youth talent development activities in Colorado is in the process of being developed.
- Career Navigator Toolkit
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The Denver Opportunity Youth Initiative (DOYI), in partnership with the CWDC, released a Career Navigator Toolkit. The toolkit is a collection of promising practices from career navigators in Colorado.
- Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan
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The Colorado Department of Human Services maintains the Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan, which presents a vision for a strong youth development network and strategies for improving an array of youth-focused policies, practices and programs. At the core of the vision and strategies is the incorporation of positive youth development principles into the services and programs for youth ages 9 to 25 in Colorado.
Learn more and access the Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan
Get Involved
State Youth Council meetings are free and open to the public. All are welcome to participate in State Youth Council meetings and share their ideas on youth talent development in Colorado.
- Become a Member
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The State Youth Council is not currently recruiting for new voting members. Feel free to complete an application and we will contact you when a vacancy is available.