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Stories of Success

CCSD Leadership Academy celebrates graduations and continuations

In between laughter, tears, and moments of pride, students in the Leadership Academy celebrated the graduation of its seniors as well as the continuation of other students into their next year of the program. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation was able to support this important program that not only changes lives -- it saves them.

The idea of a Leadership Academy began with a question: “What do our students need most?” The answer: to feel loved. 

In March 2022, CCSD students faced a tragic wave of violence. In response, CCSF partnered with the district to launch the Leadership Academy, aiming to break cycles of violence and empower students as community leaders. Now in its third year, this yearlong program re-engages students with education and their community, working to prevent youth violence through a grassroots approach. 

Creating a space for students to belong, to feel engaged, and to be part of a community has been the driving motivation behind this program serving students disproportionately impacted by violence.

“It was 100% worth it," shared Leana Gaafar, who has been part of the program since its inception. "I would do it over and over again if I’m given the opportunity. This has truly impacted my life in such a positive way. I believe my voice is important and I deserve to pursue being on stage giving a lecture at an Ivy League university.”

Fact Facts about the CCSD Leadership Academy

  • 143 students completed the program or continued through three cohorts since 2022.
  • $1 million+ in additional community investments to expand the program.
  • 19 Community Liaisons hired to support student engagement and relationship-building.
  • 90% attendance rate (on average).
  • Positive behavioral outcomes, including decrease in behavioral incidents, an increase in credits earned, and a slight increase in attendance during the school year.
     

Our Impact This Year

  • Grants Awarded to Educators

    $193,000

  • Students Impacted

    53,000

  • Scholarships Awarded

    $55,000

  • Donated to Mental Health

    $122,000

  • JHL Constructors
  • United Healthcare
    United Healthcare
  • Westerra Credit Union
  • Ed and Kacy Adams
    Ed and Kacy Adams

    Ed and Kacy Adams

  • Margie and Joe Adams
    Margie and Joe Adams

    Margie and Joe Adams

  • DLR Group

    DLR Group

  • Aurora Housing Authority
    Aurora Housing Authority

    Aurora Housing Authority

  • CCA Foundation
  • Johnson Controls
    Johnson Controls

    Johnson Controls

  • Health One
  • Aon
  • 1st Bank
  • MDC Richmond Foundation
  • CCS Facility Services
  • CU Denver
    CU Denver
  • Butler Snow
  • Stifel
  • ANB Bank
    ANB Bank

    ANB Bank

  • Plante Moran
  • Saunders
  • Adolfson & Peterson Construction
  • MA Meyer Construction
  • GTC Construction
    GTC Construction
  • Aurora Chamber of Commerce
    Aurora Chamber of Commerce
  • Kore
    Kore

    Kore

  • Kaiser Permanente
    Kaiser Permanente
  • JP Morgan
    JP Morgan

    JP Morgan

  • Alpine Bank
  • Credit Union of Colorado
    Credit Union of Colorado
  • Cuningham Architecture
  • OS Schools
    OS Schools
  • Jacobs
  • Hord Coplan Macht
  • Meteor Education
  • Knoll Team
  • Jacobs
  • CCEA
  • BC Interiors
  • Hilltop Securities
  • Piper Sandler & Co
  • RBC Capital Markets
  • RTA
  • Meteor Education
  • Haselden
  • CoBank
    CoBank
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