Youth Development in Larimer County

Fort Collins Rotary After Work funds a sustainable program of construction trade training in the Tech-Ed Construction program at Timnath Middle/High School. 

Not every graduating high school student wants to go straight to a 4-year college. In this program they learn essential construction safety and skills. They build custom sheds that are sold locally as well as small cabins that are shipped out of state as shelter for the homeless.

This is not your dad's woodshop class. Students learn how to use the latest power tools and saws safely, how to measure and cut wood accurately, how to make joints, and how to assemble many parts into to functional building. They also learn how to work in teams, follow detailed plans, and calculate lengths and angles. Classes are open to anyone wanting to learn valuable construction skills for their own interest or for a job.

LITERACY

Partly as a consequence of the Covid pandemic, many middle-school students are testing below grade. A principal concern is that too many are poor readers and research shows that illiteracy too often leads to poverty and crime. 

Beginning in 2021 RAW partnered with the literacy coordinator at a Poudre School District (PSD) Middle School to introduce a pilot program to bring poor readers up to grade level. RAW distributed Kindle Readers and funded a large Kindle children's library. 

Results were astonishing. Guided by the teacher to read about subjects they were interested in at the level they could achieve students' reading scores advanced rapidly. One student advanced two grade levels within one semester.

SPROUTIN' UP

RAW provides financial and physical assistance to this unique Fort Collins project. As their website states, they aim "to build skills, hope, optimism and self-efficacy in youth to help them become the best version of themselves." This vision aligns with ours as our programs demonstrate. In 2024 our team erected a tunnel greenhouse and we have bigger plans for 2025.

ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Every summer RAW sends several students to week-long total immersion RYLA camps. These are a life-changing leadership training program for young men and women where leadership skills and principles are learned, developed and enhanced in an atmosphere of trust and respect. RYLA encourages and assists current and potential youth leaders in methods of responsible and effective leadership. Many RYLArians have said, "It was the best week of my life!"

SINGLE PARENTS AT COLLEGE

College is tough enough without having to earn a living and raise a family by yourself. Every years RAW offers scholarships to single parents to attend a community college in Larimer County. These can contribute to tuition or help with the bills.