July 2026 Newsletter
Dear Colorado LiftED Community,
This summer, our youth bowled, climbed, kayaked, launched a business, and stood on a stage in clothes they designed themselves. Our incoming seniors capped it all off with a first for Colorado LiftED: a full week at Adams State University. You'll find the whole story in Mission Moment below. None of it happened alone, and that's the story of this summer: We, Not Me.
There's real momentum on the clinical side too. LiftED Horizons cleared its waitlist and now has immediate openings, and we're proud to now accept Cigna and UnitedHealthcare, making care more accessible to more families. Our clinical team keeps growing right alongside the need.
Thank you to every partner, clinician, and supporter who made this summer possible. You didn't just fill a calendar — you helped a young person imagine something bigger for themselves. With that, Summer Camp is wrapping up, and our team is heading into a well-deserved two-week closure for the final weeks of July. We're already excited about what next year holds — keep an eye out for exciting news in our August issue.
Until then, stay cool out there in these dog days of summer!
Ever onward, always upward.
Kaye Taavialma, President & CEO
Mission Moment
A glimpse into what we do and why we do it.
Our incoming seniors closed out the summer with a first for Colorado LiftED: a full week at Adams State University, immersed in college-level classes, river ecology studies, and a hike to 13,000 feet overlooking the Great Sand Dunes.
For many of these youth, it was the first time they'd set foot on a college campus, let alone lived on one for a week. They took classes taught by real professors, learned to kayak and paddleboard, and stood at the edge of one of the most striking landscapes in Colorado — a long way, in every sense, from where their year began.
Moments like this are why Colorado LiftED exists: not just to give young people new experiences, but to help them imagine a version of their future they hadn't pictured before. A heartfelt thank-you to Sandy Ortega, Dr. Florencio Urías Aranda, Jacob Rissler, and Wil Richards for coordinating and hosting a week that expanded horizons and strengthened confidence.
As we move into fall, we're carrying that same spirit forward — because this is what our work is about: helping seniors leave high school with skills, relationships, and a clearer path forward.
Updates
LiftED Futures
July has been a month of full-tilt exploration, creativity, and community building across all of our summer programs. After June set such a strong foundation of belonging and shared purpose, youth have continued to lean into new adventures, deepen friendships, and stretch themselves in ways that reflect the joy and possibility of summer learning.
3rd–8th grade cohort:
Bowled strikes and took peaceful morning walks along the creek
Learned the art and science of crafting flower bouquets
Enjoyed a movie outing together
Cheered at two Colorado Rockies games, sponsored by Alvarado Restaurant Nation
Learned to rock climb thanks to the team at The Spot Gym
Got moving through a Colorado Rapids Soccer clinic and a DU Rugby clinic
Explored their curiosity at the Denver Zoo
Put their engineering minds to the test in a marshmallow tower building competition, sponsored by Garver
Sparked their creativity in a dynamic workshop led by WBA Arts
9th–11th graders:
Brought their fashion designs to life during a showcase at 16th Street Mall
Explored local small business by launching their own youth-run boba and Korean corndog stand, Dragon Fruit Boba, at Blossom House
Celebrated community at another Rockies game, sponsored by Alvarado Restaurant Nation
Spent a high-energy day at Slick City Action Park, building confidence, teamwork, and memories
Incoming seniors: June marked a milestone experience for this cohort: a full week at Adams State University for our first-ever pre-collegiate immersion program. Read the full story in Mission Moment above.
Across all grade levels, the energy is unmistakable: youth are discovering new passions, building skills, and shaping a summer community that feels vibrant, welcoming, and full of possibility.
LiftED Horizons
Summer may be a quieter season, but the families we support still need consistent care. That’s why our clinical team logged 365 touch points in June alone!
Here is what else is new around the clinic this month:
Immediate Openings: Our waitlist is officially cleared! Referrals for youth and adults are now open on our website.
Expanded Insurance: To make care more financially accessible, we now proudly accept Cigna and UnitedHealthcare.
Growing Team: We warmly welcomed our first three clinical interns—Aedan Julian, Abd Rahman Saad, and Kennedy Wilkie—with three more joining us in August!
We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated hands building this community together.
Community Partner Spotlight
Big news! Colorado LiftED Foundation is thrilled to have our "nearly new" van on the road, thanks to a very generous anonymous donor and a great partnership with Model One Commercial Vehicles.
Already this summer, the van has helped transport youth to field trips and supported our Class of 2027 during their pre-collegiate immersion experience at Adams State University in Alamosa. As we continue summer programming and prepare for the 2026–27 school year, the van is helping remove one of the biggest barriers our youth face: reliable transportation to the opportunities that help them learn, grow, and thrive.
Thank you to Model One Commercial Vehicles for helping make this possible. We look forward to many more miles connecting young people with experiences that expand their horizons.
