Community Opportunities
This page shares community events and opportunities in Jefferson County and the surrounding area. Events and opportunities listed are from organizations that are reputable in the community; however, each specific event has not been vetted by Jeffco CTC.
Have an opportunity to share? Email the information to info@jeffcoctc.care for consideration!
Curious about school to career/work pathways? Want to consider your options and strengthen possibilities for students?
Join MindSpark, in partnership with Jeffco CTC, for our Invisible Made Visible Youth Design Session. You get to drive the conversation and be the change as a youth advisor.
- When: Saturday, April 18th
- Time: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm (arrive by 9:45 am)
- Where: MindSpark Learning: 13949 W. Colfax Ave. Suite 200 – Lakewood, CO 80401 (*transportation is not provided).
Receive a $100 stipend (and food and prizes) for your time and ideas – like a consultant.
Note: You do not have to be a current student to attend.
Help us spread the word: Link to Informational Flyer
Localworks is excited to announce the return of their Ridgefest Button Illustration Contest, a community tradition that celebrates local creativity. Now in its fourth year, the contest invites artists of all ages to help shape the visual identity of Ridgefest.
The winning artist will receive a $250 cash prize, and their design will be featured on the official Ridgefest button. This year, the artwork will also appear on fun festival items like stickers, tote bags and other giveaway merchandise, putting your design into the hands of festivalgoers across the community.
Submissions are open now and will be accepted through Tuesday, April 28 at 5 p.m. Multiple entries are welcome, so feel free to submit more than one idea!
Accepted applicants will be in community with nearly 100 youth activists aged 14-24 in a year-long fellowship who receive training, support, and $600 per semester stipends to organize for sexual health, rights, and justice in their community! Youth organizers will also be flown to Washington, D.C. to receive in-depth training at our Youth Activist Institute in September, a life-changing experience where they will network with fellow youth activists and build essential organizing skills.
Their activists have used Their training and resources to:
- bring gender-neutral housing to their campus
- pass state legislation expanding access to menstrual products
- win access to medication abortion (abortion pills) on their college campus
- urge their campuses to adopt better policies to combat sexual assault
- advocate for better, inclusive sex education in their state and cities
- educate their communities about LGBTQ Muslims
- increase HIV testing and condom availability
- and so much more!
Applications are due May 3rd.
Rise Above Colorado is now accepting applications for their Teen Action Council, a statewide leadership opportunity for youth ages 12-18. Their goal is a Teen Action Council that is representative of Colorado including all races, genders, economic background, substance use background, academic standing, etc.
Who should apply?
- Someone who has a passion for preventing youth substance use and promoting mental health and well-being.
- Interested in building leadership skills, using their voices to create change, and exploring their personal identity, goals, and values.
What do Teen Action Council members do?
- Educational resource delivery: Teen Action Council members will be trained and supported by Rise Above Colorado staff to facilitate Rise Above Colorado educational resources in their local communities. Their resources cover topics such as appropriate use of prescription medications, critical thinking skills, Colorado youth substance use trends, and much more.
- Share youth perspective: Additionally, members will provide input, feedback, and ideas towards ongoing Rise Above Colorado projects and initiatives. They highly value the thoughts and opinions of Teen Action Council members which are integral in informing Rise Above Colorado prevention messaging and strategy.
- Explore prevention methods: Teen Action Council members will learn about upstream prevention, overdose prevention, and different ways of engaging with communities to improve health outcomes.
When are meetings?
- Members participate in four in-person weekend meetings: August, October, January, and April
- During these weekends, you will connect with other passionate teens, grow as leaders, and take part in fun evening activities.
- Members will also join monthly Zoom meetings to stay engaged and continue work between in-person meetings: September, November, December, February, March
Are members paid?
- Participants receive a $1,000 stipend to compensate for their participation and engagement. Travel costs are supported, including mileage reimbursement and hotel accommodations for those traveling to meetings.
Jeffco CTC’s Youth Town Hall (YTH) is about youth having a say in what happens in Jefferson County.
The Jeffco CTC Youth Town Planning Team creates a space for youth to speak on important issues, gather real input from other youth, and use the information to create visible change in our community.
The YTH Planning Team will meet as follows to plan the event:
- Saturday, May 30th, 10:00am – 1:00pm – Kick Off Meeting (in person at 9250 West 5th Avenue, Third Floor, Lakewood, CO 80226)
- Wednesday, June 3rd, 9:30am – 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, June 17th, 9:30am – 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, July 1st, 9:30am – 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, July 15th, 9:30am – 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, July 29th, 9:30am – 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, August 12th, 9:30am – 11:30am (virtual)
- Wednesday, August 26th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm (virtual)
- Wednesday, September 9th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm (virtual)
The YTH Planning Team will help determine the date of the Youth Town Hall event as well as the run through and debrief session (all in person).
Youth Town Hall Planning Team members will faciliate the Youth Town Hall event and will receive up to a $450 stipend.
Registration for Jefferson County and Colorado State University’s ENOR Summer Camp is now open! It’s one of the oldest and lowest-cost summer camps in metro Denver, getting kids outside for more than 50 years.
Scholarships available. For grades 4 through 8.
Did you know you could receive cash back from the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC), and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
You don’t need much income to qualify for these credits, but you must file a federal and/or state tax return to receive these credits.
Jefferson County is taking action to support residents who may lose access to SNAP and WIC food benefits because of the federal government shutdown. Several county departments including Human Services, Public Health, and the Office of Emergency Management with the Sheriff’s Office are working together to share updates, connect people to resources and coordinate community support.
Visit the Resilient Jeffco webpage for:
- SNAP and WIC Updates
- Find Food Help
- Supporting Jeffco with Time, Money, or Food Items
- Food Safety for Donated or Shared Food
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps cover heating and energy costs for families and individuals that qualify. LEAP accepts applications every year beginning November 1 through April 30. LEAP is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating, but rather to help alleviate some of the burden associated with the colder months.
Positive Voice in Jefferson County
The Positive Voice in Jefferson County Initiative is a collective effort to empower and elevate the voices of those marginalized within our community. Recognizing we have more power and momentum together, we coordinate our efforts to advocate for our shared values, including health, safety, and well-being. We foster connection as we take action to build a more inclusive community.
Discussion typically centers around the following questions:
- What are you working on and how can folks support your efforts?
- What are you seeing/hearing; what should folks know regarding what is happening within the community?
- How can we best work together/coordinate our efforts?
Upcoming Meetings
- Tuesday, April 21st, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- Tuesday, May 19th, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
- Tuesday, June 16th, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Please email info@jeffcoctc.care for calendar invites and location details.
