The African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) wants to stay connected with you! Enjoy interesting facts, educational information, highlights and upcoming events. Have a question or comment? Please contact us at info@aaylc-co.org.
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In the U.S approximately 480,000 school buses bring children back and forth to school each day. School buses are yellow because yellow attracts more attention than any other color. They are meant to stand out so that other drivers notice them. Source
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Executive Director's Corner
August is the month to reflect on the good times we had this summer and focus on the upcoming school year. Now is the time to encourage and inspire all the students who are going back to school. Being in an educational support role myself, and having a family of educators, we understand how challenging it can be to shift the student mindset.
Many studies show that family involvement and participation is more important to a child's school success than how much money the family makes or the education level of the parents/guardians. Students who receive support from their family tend to perform better in school and appreciate their educational experiences. It is crucial that we engage with youth at the beginning of the school year to ensure their advancement throughout the year. Be informed about all aspects of their education. Develop a partnership with your student’s teachers and school staff. Working together for the success of your child is the ultimate goal. Children are our NOW and our FUTURE!
Sincerely,
Shantelle Bridges
Executive Director
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40 Back-to-School Organization Ideas That Are Worth a Try
Back-to-school shopping is exciting for kids but choosing the right school supplies isn't the only thing you have to think about. The best way to tackle the craziness is to be proactive by adopting smart organizational hacks.
Read more
www.goodhousekeeping.com
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Student of the Month - Julia Anzaldua |
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"She’s just a girl, and she’s on fire.” The lyrics famously sung by singer/songwriter, Alicia Keys, are fitting for the AAYLC’s August student of the month—Julia Anzaldua. Her list of accomplishments is long, and her collection of awards is large; but they have not come easily. As someone who struggles with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the Fountain Fort-Carson High School student has had to demonstrate incredible strength and true grit to overcome the challenges presented thus far in her high school career.
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Across the Board
August has always been my favorite month because it’s back to school time. I often tell people that I became an educator because it means I get to go back to school every year! In middle and high school, back to school meant new clothes, new notebooks, and a new backpack. It meant new teachers and maybe new friends. This time of year feels like a fresh start and an opportunity to do all the things I didn’t do last year. In college, I developed the habit of writing down my goals for the year and sharing with my family all the ways they could help me achieve them. Fifteen years later and I still write my goals, buy new clothes, and bask in the energy of new possibilities. Best of luck to everyone in the new school year!
Sincerely,
Manya Whitaker
AAYLC Board Vice President
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Matters of the Mind - Stress Management
by Alice Miles, Counselor at Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center and AAYLC Board Director
We are excited to introduce “Matters of the Mind”, an article each month to help provide some information and guidance on various topics as they relate to mental health and wellness.
Parents, teachers, and students alike know August is consistently one of the most stressful times of the year. Why? Back to school!
Everyone is familiar with the rush to get school supplies and schedules sorted earlier to reduce the stress that paints the school year. Of course, there are still new challenges that include navigating how to attend school online, back in person, or some combination of both. This all requires a tremendous amount of energy and stress that falls on everyone involved. The strain and tension we feel during these times can actually harm us mentally, physically, emotionally and it can impact the relationships we have with each other. Read More
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AAYLC's Leadership Institute |
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During the week of July 22 - 25, the AAYLC held our 2022 Leadership Institute at the Urbanites facility. We would like to thank all of the students, community leaders, and parents for supporting this program and making it a success. This intensive, multi-day program was designed to build and enhance leadership skills for students in grades 9 - 12. Each student completed a strengths assessment to determine their core leadership style. Students also worked together in teams to delve into an issue impacting our society, interview community leaders regarding their issue, and present their conclusion. These students are well on their way to initiating positive change in their communities and beyond. A big thank you to our facilitators, Dr. Manya Whitaker, AAYLC Board Vice President and Shantelle Bridges, Executive Director for inspiring these students to be strong leaders. |
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Pikes Peak United Way - Kickin' It Back to School |
Join us on Sunday, August 14th from 10:00am - 2:00pm as we support the Pikes Pike United Way’s Centennial Celebration - Kickin’ It Back to School! This free event will provide resources, activities, and opportunities focused on everything a family might need once their kids are in school. Stop by the AAYLC table. We look forward to seeing YOU! Location: Weidner Field, 111 W Cimarron Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Click here for more information. |
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Lil' Miss Storytime: Back to School Culture Fest |
Come and support Lil' Miss Story Hour's 1st Annual Back to School Culture Fest on Saturday, August 20th from 11am - 7pm! This free event will celebrate the beautiful culture and heritage representing community members through storytelling, various art forms, musical guests, food, entrepreneurship, and more! All registered PRE-K - 5th grade students will receive a free backpack. Stop by the AAYLC table for some conversation and giveaways. We look forward to seeing YOU! Location: Knob Hill Urban Arts District, 2331 East Platte Ave., Colorado Springs 80909. Click here for more information. |
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Fundraiser: Outlets at Castle Rock -
Shopping Extravaganza
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Calling all Shoppers! It's time to get your walking shoes ready to support the AAYLC at the Outlets at Castle Rock Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, September 10th, from 10am - 4pm! We are honored to participate in this "shop-for-a-cause" event for a 6th year. The Shopping Extravaganza is a full day of shopping, prizes, food, and entertainment. There will be $65,000 in prize giveaways! Tickets are $30. Location: 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock 80108. Click here for more information and tickets. |
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Conference Planning Retreat
On July 23rd, the AAYLC hosted a Conference Planning Retreat at the Penrose House Conference Center, at El Pomar, to gain perspective and begin the conversation regarding our 2023 conference. Led by Executive Director - Shantelle Bridges and Deputy Executive Director - Donald Deas, sixteen community members came together to re-envision what the conference experience could look like after being virtual the past two years. Attendees spent time discussing their thoughts, participating in activities, creating innovative ideas, strategizing, and developing new opportunities for organizational growth. The goal was to listen to new ideas, and to glean from the past to envision AAYLC’s future. We look forward to hosting the 30th Annual Conference on March 4, 2023, at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.
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Colorado College
Colorado College (CC) is a special place for the AAYLC. Through sponsorships and the donations of funds, facilities, and volunteers, we owe much of our success to the relationship with CC. The college is also a special place for the Colorado Springs community. It is an essential part of the cultural, recreational, educational, and historical fabric of our beloved city. The students, faculty, and staff play key roles in the progress and prospering of Colorado Springs. Hence, we are lucky to have them as a close partner of the AAYLC.
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Join Our Planning Committee
Are you looking for ways you can utilize your skill set to serve the community? We have the opportunity for YOU! As a planning committee member, your support and enthusiasm enables us to plan and execute a culturally diverse and comprehensive event that embraces, challenges and encourages youth to excel. If you are interested in utilizing your skills to plan for our conference and other events, we would love to work with you! Click Here to apply.
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